At A Glance
- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of the Philippines plans to begin reviewing regional minimum wage orders in May to ensure these rates align with the economic conditions of each region.
- This review, prompted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., will cover all Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) that issued wage orders in 2023.
- DOLE doesn't set wage rates but will implement any adjustments that Congress passes and the President approves.
- DOLE is engaged in dialogues with both workers and employers to ensure that any wage adjustments consider the welfare of workers while maintaining business viability.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will start reviewing regional minimum wage orders this May to ensure that current rates remain responsive to the economic conditions in each area.
DOLE Assistant Secretary Patrick Patriwirawan Jr. said the review will cover all Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) that issued wage orders in 2023, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“The goal is to evaluate whether the current wage levels are aligned with the economic realities of each region,” Patriwirawan said.
He also addressed growing calls from labor groups for a P200 legislated wage hike.
While the department does not set wage rates, Patriwirawan affirmed that DOLE stands ready to implement any adjustment enacted by Congress and approved by the President.
To balance the needs of both workers and employers, he emphasized that DOLE continues to hold dialogues with both sectors to promote workers’ welfare while supporting business viability.