Western Visayas workers get P12 living allowance

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Workers in Western Visayas will have P12 emergency cost of living allowance (ECOLA) effective July 15 this year.

Department of Labor and Employment-VI office-in-charge Crispin Dannug said the P12 ECOLA is contained in the new Wage Order No. 19 issued recently by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board.

In a press statement, Dannug explained that minimum wage earners in the private sector without exemption are entitled to receive this emergency allowance, for a period of three months only from its effectivity, regardless of their position, designation or status of employment and regardless of the method by which they are paid.

He however said: "Household or domestic helpers, persons in the personal service of another including family drivers, and workers of duly registered Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) with Certificate of Authority pursuant to Republic Act 9178 are not covered by this wage order."

Dannug urged all companies, including government agencies, engaging the services of security agencies, janitorial and manpower services to make sure that this new wage order is implemented.

The DOLE-6 is currently intensifying its inspection activities with priority on security agencies, manpower services, contractors, hotels and restaurants and wholesale and retail, among others.

Wage Order No. 19 was the result of the petitions filed by two labor federations: The Trade Union of Filipino Workers and the National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry of the Philippines.

The two labor groups sought for an increase of P97 and P99, respectively, in wages of workers in the private sector in Region 6.

Last year's Wage Order No. 18 may not be disturbed as it is not yet over 12 months but the wage board declared the existence of supervening conditions in the region-confirmed by the National Wages and Productivity Commission-such as the spiraling increase in prices of petroleum products and basic goods/services.

This prompted the board to convene and discuss the possibility of granting another round of wage increase. - THE FREEMAN