NCR wage hike order expected in July

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in the National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) is expected to release its decision on the petitions to increase the daily minimum wage in the capital region before July 16. 

In Sandra Aguinaldo’s report on “24 Oras,” RTWPB held an open forum with various stakeholders regarding the push for an increase. 

Some groups are asking just for a P150 increase, while others seek a raise of P597 or even up to P750, the report said. 

“Hindi po nakabubuhay yung sahod,  hindi rin sapat para maiahon sila sa kahirapan,” said Carlos Miguel Oñate, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines legislative officer. 

(The wage is not enough for our daily living and to rise from poverty.) 

“Ang netong sahod na maiuuwi po ng isang minimum wage earner sa NCR ay mas mababa pa sa poverty threshold,” he added. 

(The net wage that a minimum wage earner in NCR can bring home is much lower than the poverty threshold.) 

The last minimum wage increase in NCR was implemented on July 16, 2023 at P610 for the non-agricultural sector and P573 for the agriculture sector. 

But it was just a P40 raise which workers said is still inadequate to keep up with prices of goods.

The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) warned that a huge raise in wages could discourage foreign investors because of the high cost of business. 

“Maapektuhan yung informal sector natin, street vendors, including sari-sari stores who sell goods and services on streets or move place to place…Yung mga home-based workers, maapektuhan. We are trying to survive and compete with other ASEAN countries,” said ECOP governor Butch Guerrero.

(Our informal sector would be affected including street vendors and sari-sari stores who sell goods and services on streets or move from place to place…Home-based workers would also be affected. We are trying to survive and compete with other ASEAN countries.) 

The wage board assured that it will consider all opinions before the release of the decision next month. 

“Ngayon nakita natin ang presentation nila.. at doon po magkakaroon kami ng desisyon base sa mga lahat ng mga inputs, lahat ng mga concerns, comments, ng lahat ng mga sektor,” said RTWPB-NCR board chairperson Sarah Buena Mirasol. 

(We have already seen their presentations…and we will decide based on the inputs, concerns, and comments of all the sectors.) 

“It's very difficult at sabi ko nga, mukhang mahaba ang aming pag-uusapan (it looks like it's going to be a long discussion),” she added. —Vince Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News