NWPC affirms wage hikes in 3 regions

MANILA, Philippines — The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) has affirmed the wage orders of the Regional Tripartite Wage Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) in Mimaropa, Cagayan Valley and Soccsksargen.

The NWPC also upheld the salary increase for domestic helpers in Cagayan Valley and Soccksargen.

The agency reviewed the new wage orders during a meeting last Friday.

On May 18, the Cagayan Valley wage board granted an increase of P1,000 in the monthly salary of domestic workers in the region, raising it to P5,000.

In Mimaropa, the minimum salary of domestic workers was raised to P4,500.

The regional wage board also granted an increase of P35 in the daily pay of minimum wage earners.

This brings the minimum wage in establishments with less than 10 workers to P329 and P355 in those with 10 or more workers.

For workers in private establishments in Soccsksargen, the RTWPB granted an increase of P32 to be given in tranches.

An initial increase of P16 will be given upon the effectivity of the wage order and the remainder on Sept. 1.

The minimum wage for workers in non-agriculture sectors in Soccksargen will increase to P368 and P347 for those in agriculture, service and retail establishments.

The wage orders shall take effect 15 days after publication in newspapers of general circulation.

June 5 effectivity date

Meanwhile, amid calls to review the new wage order in Western Visayas, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office announced that the salary increase would take effect on June 5.

The DOLE said the minimum wage in non-agricultural, industrial and commercial establishments with 10 or more employees would be raised to P450 and P420 in those with less than 10 employees.

Agricultural workers will receive a minimum salary of P410 while household workers will get P4,500.

The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) had earlier said it would file a petition to recall the wage order.

Frank Carbon, MBCCI chief executive officer, said they are not opposing the wage increase, but stressed the need for “proper timing.”

He said employers may agree to an increase of P25 to P30, but not P110.

In Central Luzon, the regional wage board has concluded its public hearings on petitions for a salary hike for minimum wage earners and domestic helpers.

Except in Aurora, the prevailing minimum wage in Central Luzon ranges from P395 to 420 depending on the number of employees and sector.

For kasambahays, the prevailing minimum monthly salary is P4,500 in chartered cities and first class municipalities and P4,000 in other municipalities. – Gilbert Bayoran, Ric Sapnu