The highest minimum wage in the country is from P573 to P610, applicable only to workers in Metro Manila, while in other regions, it is lower, such as in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), ranging from P316 to P361.
According to a labor group, President Marcos’s statement to review the minimum wage in each region should be implemented immediately.
“timely review of the minimum wage range in respective regions with you consideration to the impact of inflation among others within 60 days prior to the anniversary of their latest wages order” President Marcos said
That was the President’s statement after commemorating Labor Day on May 1, calling for a review of the current minimum wage in different regions of the country and a review of the regulations on this matter by the National Wages and Productivity Commission.
This is in addition to the proposed P100 to P150 minimum wage hike, which has been approved by the Senate but is still pending in Congress.
The successive recommendations for wage increases are positive signs, according to Villamor Mostrales, Executive Vice President of the National Confederation of Labor, but he hopes it will be implemented as soon as possible.
Mostrales mentioned that the prices of essential goods are rising faster than the long-demanded minimum wage hike by their sector.
“Yung ginawa ni Presidente na pinapa fastrack nya yung review is a well taken move on the labor sector, kase dito sa Pilipinas mas mabilis pa yung pagtaas ng mga bilihin kaysa pagbibigay ng fair wages sa mga employee” Villamor Mostrales, Executive Vice President of the National Confederation of Labor said in an interview
“Parang nakikita namin ang hinaing namin ah, parang last term e parang hindi nabibigyan ng priority ang kalagayan ng mga manggagawa dapat tingnan ng ating gobyerno yun, iprayoridad naman yung pag tunghay, pagtingin, pag evaluate sa wages ng mga manggagawa.” he added
Through the passage of a wage hike, the government can finally prioritize workers, which they claim hasn’t been done in previous years and administrations.
While it’s good news for workers, they understand the considerations the government must take, especially concerning employers’ capacity.
“Ang pag increase kase tinitingan din natin yung kakayahan ng mga employers at kakayahan ng, well yes because pag hindi naman kaya ah.. sa amin pabor kami kase mataas, pero kaya ba ng mga employer.” Mostrales said
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma mentioned that wage adjustments go through the Regional Tripartite Productivity Board and consider factors like its impact on employment level, inflation, and gross domestic product. They also consider different categories of businesses, particularly Micro and Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Aside from the wage increase, ending contractualization is also a concern for many labor groups, as it further burdens Filipino workers.