RTWPB to review P13 Cola today

CEBU, Philippines -  The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board– 7 is expected to review today the additional P13 per day cost of living allowance granted last March 21 this year. 

The additional to the COLA was granted amidst the rising cost of basic commodities and fuel prices.

“We will review this although inug September 21 pa unta ni siya angayan e-review.

But we will do it much earlier because of these supervening conditions,” said Jose Tomongha, one of the labor representatives to the wage board.

Tomongha is also the chairperson of the Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa-Visayas.

He said the Coalition for Living Wage of which Sentro-NPMV is a member is eyeing at another round of wage increase without waiting for the result of the review.

Zaide Bati-on, chief of the Consumers Welfare Division of the Department of Trade and Industry - Cebu Province, said that based on their monitoring, the price of cement and steel bars have increased by P1.

Prices of evaporated and condensed milk of select brands have also increased by P20 per can. An increase has also been noted n select brands of canned sardines.

Initially, the CLW is eyeing at a P147 daily wage increase for all workers in Central Visayas but this figure may change with the increase in the prices of basic commodities and even tuition fee, among others.

Tomongha said CLW, which has at least 40 labor unions and organizations as members, will be next week to discuss and agree on the specific amount to lobby for.

Under the rules, wage boards are not allowed to adjust worker’s salaries for a year after the last increase unless “supervening conditions” are present. Tomongha says these conditions exist and CLW will not wait for the one-year ban in filing for a new petition.

“Klaro na kaayo nga naay mga supervening conditions so mura og di na mi magpaabot anang one-year ban to file another wage hike petition,” Tomongha said.

RTWPB-7 granted a P13 per day COLA for workers receiving minimum wage in Central Visayas last February 14. The order took effect on March 21 under Wage Order Number 18 (the latest wage order).

The order is subject for review six months after implementation. —/JMO (FREEMAN)