Even as laborers in Metro Manila sighed in relief at the "measly" (as some labor leaders call it) increase in the minimum wage for the National Capital Region (NCR), it appears that they have yet found a cause to celebrate.
This, after Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma confirmed yesterday that the wage order granting a P35 increase in the daily minimum pay for workers in Metro Manila remains “subject to appeal.”
According to Laguesma, parties have the option to file a motion for reconsideration with the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) within 10 days from the publication of Wage Order No. NCR-25, extending the deadline until July 11.
He emphasized that both labor and employer sectors retain the right to appeal the wage adjustment decision.
The order specifically raises the daily minimum wage to P645 from P610 for workers in the non-agriculture sector.
Meanwhile, workers in the agriculture sector, as well as those in service or retail establishments with 15 workers or fewer, and manufacturing establishments with fewer than 10 employees, will see their daily minimum wage increase to P608 from P573.
‘Inadequate’
Senate President Francis Escudero has criticized the P35 wage hike, describing it as "grossly inadequate" to meet the real needs of workers amidst the rising prices of essential goods.
He advocated for a larger increase, citing a Senate bill proposing an across-the-board raise of P100.
Meanwhile, Rizal Representative Fidel Nograles, Chair of the House Committee on Labor and Employment, assured ongoing deliberations on various bills seeking wage adjustments.
Nograles affirmed the House's commitment to finding solutions that improve the lives of Filipino workers, balancing increases from P150 to P350 while ensuring economic viability for employers.
In response, militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno renewed calls for the abolition of Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs).
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), acknowledging potential challenges for businesses, pledged support amid the approved wage hike.
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual emphasized DTI's commitment to fostering an environment where both workers' welfare and business sustainability are balanced.
Photo Courtesy : Philippine News Agency
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