P537 minimum wage too small for NCR, Labor chief Bello admits

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said Wednesday that the  P537 minimum wage for the National Capital Regional is too small.

However, Bello on "Dobol B TV" pointed out that  the adjustment in minimum wage depends on the assessment of the regional wage board, adding that they also consider the capacity of employers to increase salary.

“Personally, talagang medyo maliit na yung P537 dito sa Metro Manila. Pero ang isang pinakamahalagang i-consider natin ay kaya ba ng mga employers,” he said.

(Personally, the P537 minimum wage here in Metro Manila is inadequate. But one of the most important thing to consider is the capacity of the employers.)

On Tuesday, several labor groups aired their demand for an increase in wages on the heels of recent fuel price hikes.

Ecumenical Institute for Labor Education and Research (EILER) executive director Rochelle Porras said the wage should be increased to at least P750 or half of the family living wage.

Asked if it is time to grant the increase in minimum wage, Bello said the regional wage board has to study first the needs of workers as well as the capacity of employers.

Bello said the wage boards conduct yearly assessments on the economic factors in every region to recommend wage adjustments.

Workers, employers, and economic managers like those of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) tackle the possible adjustment in minimum wage. —LBG, GMA News