RTWPB-7 to conduct wage hike hearings

CEBU, Philippines — The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-VII has started its review of current minimum wage rates in Central Visayas and will hold a series of public hearings this August to gather input from stakeholders across the region.

This is in line with the board’s mandate to evaluate whether adjustments are needed based on prevailing socio-economic conditions. The notice of public hearings, which was published on August 3, was issued by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Director and RTWPB-VII Chairperson Roy L. Buenafe.

The hearings will be held at the following venues and schedules: August 19, 1:00 p.m. at the Pavilion Hall, DepEd Ecotech Center, Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City; August 28, 8:00 a.m. at the Joshua 1, Bethel Guest House, Rizal Blvd., Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; August 29, 8:00 a.m. at the Ruby Hall, The MetroCentre Hotel and Convention Center, C.P.G. Avenue, Tagbilaran City, Bohol; and August 31, 1:00 p.m. at the Continental Hall, Anjo World Convention Center, Upper Calajoan, Minglanilla, Cebu.

The review period was officially triggered on August 3, 2025, two months ahead of the anniversary of Wage Order ROVII-25, which covers private sector workers and took effect on October 2, 2024. The current minimum wage rates in Central Visayas ranges from P453 to P501 depending on the employee’s category.

For domestic workers, the applicable wage order—Wage Order ROVII-D.W. 04—took effect on May 11, 2024, and is also under review. It currently sets the minimum monthly pay at ?6,000 in chartered cities and first-class municipalities, and ?5,000 in other areas.

According to RTWPB-VII, the public consultations are being conducted in accordance with Rule III, Section 3 of NWPC Guidelines No. 3, Series of 2020, which allows wage boards to hold hearings within 60 days prior to the anniversary of an existing wage order.

The board said the review process is part of its regular mandate to ensure that wage rates remain “fair, just, and responsive to prevailing socio-economic conditions.” The evaluation includes factors such as inflation, cost of living, and the sustainability of businesses.

RTWPB-VII emphasized the importance of broad stakeholder participation, inviting labor groups, employers, and government agencies to share their positions and proposals.

“Their inputs are vital in shaping a balanced and informed decision that safeguards both worker welfare and economic viability,” the board said in its announcement.

Ahead of the hearings, the board conducted a regional consultation attended by around 60 participants from labor, business, and government sectors. The consultation served as a venue for stakeholders to express concerns and offer recommendations on possible wage adjustments.

During the open forum, nine labor representatives called for a substantial wage increase, arguing that small adjustments are not enough to fulfill the constitutional mandate of a living wage. They also cited the lapse of the proposed ?200 across-the-board wage hike bill in Congress, stressing the urgency for regional action.

However, five business sector representatives cautioned against steep increases, warning that these could hurt local economic growth, reduce investor confidence, and lead to job losses.

RTWPB-VII assured participants that all positions raised during the consultation would be carefully evaluated in its deliberations.

Any new wage order arising from the hearings will still require confirmation from the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) and will take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

The board encouraged all stakeholders to take part in the scheduled hearings, noting that the outcome will directly impact workers, employers, and the broader economy in the region. — (FREEMAN)