Duterte urged to leave P750 minimum wage as legacy

MANILA, Philippines — Before stepping down from office, President Duterte was urged yesterday to leave the legacy of setting the P750 national minimum wage.

“We are challenging President Duterte, may natitira ka pang one month in office. This is your chance to convene Congress and pass the national minimum wage of P750,” Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) secretary general Jerome Adonis said.

Labor groups have assailed what they consider to be the measly wage hikes granted recently by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board.

They said the P750 national minimum wage is necessary amid the rising prices of fuel and basic commodities.

Unity for Wage Increase Now spokesman Charlie Arevalo said the government should study the current family living wage and use it as a basis for implementing salary increases.

KMU Southern Mindanao Region secretary general PJ Dizon said workers from Mindanao have not received any wage hike.

The labor groups also expressed concern over the possibility of minimum wage earners being taxed under the Marcos presidency, saying they could barely make ends meet due to their low salaries.