Metro Manila’s new minimum wage rate starts on Friday

MANILA, Philippines — With the new minimum wage rate in Metro Manila taking effect on July 18, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday reminded employers to address wage distortion.

Correcting wage differentials following a minimum pay hike would preserve harmonious relations between the employers and workers, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguema said.

“It is important to prevent demoralization among workers whose salaries might be overtaken as a result of the minimum wage adjustment,” Laguesma said, adding that companies should do it on their own initiative.

Enterprises may seek technical assistance from Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards to correct wage distortion cases.

Effective Friday, Metro Manila’s daily minimum wage will increase to P695 from P645 for non-agriculture sector workers and to P658 from P608 for those in the agriculture sector, and service and retail establishments employing up to 15 workers.