The regional wage board of Metro Manila will hold consultations to discuss proposals to increase the daily take-home pay of minimum wage earners, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said.
In a statement, DOLE said the public sector consultation is on May 23 while the employers will be consulted on June 4.
"The public hearing is targeted on June 20, and thereafter, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) will decide on the propriety of adjusting the minimum wage for the region," the DOLE statement read.
DOLE noted that RTWPBs in other regions have been directed to finalize their consultation and hearing schedules.
The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) has already released implementing rules and regulations (IRR) in response to President Marcos' request to review minimum wage rates.
Under the IRR, all RTWPBs shall start the review 60 days before the anniversary date of the latest wage order in their respective region.
In Metro Manila, the last wage order raising the daily minimum wage rate to P610 took effect on July 16, 2023.
DOLE affirmed its commitment to abide by the criteria and standards established by law when making adjustments to the minimum wage rates. The needs and concerns of both workers and employers will always be taken into consideration.
The agency clarified that it is not rejecting the proposed legislated pay increase.
“DOLE defers to the primary authority and wisdom of Congress to enact, amend, or repeal any law. Should Congress decide to amend or repeal Republic Act 6727, the DOLE’s duty will be to implement the law no matter how hard that will be,” the DOLE said, referring to the Wage Rationalization Act.