DOLE open to share inputs on Senate's proposal for P100 increase in daily minimum wage
By Trixee Rosel
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has expressed willingness to share inputs in the proposal before the Senate to increase the daily minimum wage by P100.
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the department recognizes the power of the Congress to push for legislative salary increase, especially for minimum wage earners in the country.
On the other hand, he said DOLE's role is to adopt and enforce existing laws and mechanisms in response to wage increase requests.
Their expertise. he said, should also be considered while implementing Republic Act 6727, which established Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) to set "minimum wage increases" in the regions.
Currently, 15 of the 16 RTWPBs have issued pay orders for the minimum wage hike, effective July 2023. Only the Davao area has yet to issue a salary order in the current wage round, however, it is reportedly holding public consultations.
Around 4.1 million minimum wage earners benefited directly from wage hikes in the 15 regions, while another 8.1 million regular workers are expected to have their salaries increase due to the correction of wage distortions.