THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday expressed confidence the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in the National Capital Region would be able to issue a new wage order by next month.
In a media forum in Manila, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said he is certain the NCR wage board would issue a wage order in time for the anniversary date of the last wage order, which is July 16.
“We are expecting that after their deliberations, there will be a fitting decision,” said Laguesma.
“We can expect that by the anniversary date, which is July 16, we will have positive results on the process undertaken by the RTWPB-NCR,” he said, adding he expects an increase in the current minimum wage rate of P573 to P610.
“Historically, there is always an increase since the wage board does not have the authority to reduce the wage rate,” he explained.
“All issuances of the wage boards provide increases. Although many see it as minimal and not enough, the bottom line is there will be an increase,” added Laguesma.
Today, Thursday, the NCR wage board is set to hold a public hearing on minimum wage adjustment at 9 a.m. at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City.
Employers, workers, employer associations, and labor organizations are expected to participate in the public hearing.
Foremost on the agenda is the petition for minimum wage increase filed by the Unity for Wage Increase Now (UWIN) last May 24.
UWIN sought an increase in the daily minimum wage for workers in private establishments in NCR in the amount of P597.
