15 regions can file wage hike petitions – DOLE

MANILA, Philippines — Minimum wage earners in 15 regions in the country can now file petitions for a salary increase, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

In a press briefing, DOLE-National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) executive director Maria Criselda Sy said it has been more than a year since the last wage orders were approved in these regions.

Sy said only workers in Cagayan Valley and Socsksargen, whose anniversary of their last wage order is on March 16 and Feb. 2, respectively, could not yet seek a wage hike.

Under the law, no petition for wage increase may be entertained within the 12-month period from effectivity of the last salary hike.

Various labor groups are seeking an increase in the minimum wage as the price of basic commodities continues to increase amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sy said no wage petition has been filed in any region, but the NWPC is allowing public consultations.

“We have allowed the use of digital platforms for public consultations and hearings to ensure the continuity of services of our regional boards despite community restrictions,” she said.

Consultations and public hearings on petitions for wage hikes used to be conducted face-to-face.

Sy gave assurance that regional wage boards were directed to monitor the socio-economic situation in their areas amid the pandemic.

”Our regional wage boards have the capacity to analyze the situation in the regions,” she said.