DOLE warns of higher prices of commodities if P100 daily wage increase is granted
By Trixee Rosel
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday, Feb. 20, warned the public of a possible increase in the prices of basic and prime commodities due to the proposed legislated wage increase of P100 a day for private sector minimum wage earners.
In an Unang Balita interview, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma stated that while he agrees that salary increases will enhance workers' purchasing power, he cautioned that it may also have an impact on micro and small companies.
“Kapag merong pag-uusap tungkol sa pagtaas ng suweldo, medyo nakakaramdam na po tayo ng pagtaas ng presyo ng pangunahing bilihin. Iyon pong may kinalaman sa transport. So para pong ano 'yan chain reaction. Kaya ang lagi naman pong tinatanaw ng DOLE sana mabalanse (When pay increases are discussed, we notice a slight increase in the prices of essential commodities and transportation services. It resembles a chain reaction. That is why the DOLE is constantly striving for balance),” he said.
According to the official, the agency is looking into various measures to assist micro and small enterprises if the minimum wage rises by P100.
Laguesma said the actions will ensure workers stay in jobs despite the financial impact of the wage rise on their businesses.