DOLE chief Laguesma sees wage increase in all regions before 2023 ends

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma on Friday said he is anticipating that all regions will have an increase in daily minimum wages before the year ends.

He said that this is based on the actions that Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) are taking right now.

“Nakikita ko po sa direksyon ng kanilang ginagawang proseso baka hindi ho maglilipat taon, lahat po ng mga regions meron na pong adjustments,” Laguesma told Dobol B TV in an interview.

(From what I see on the direction of their process, maybe all regions will have minimum wage adjustments before the year ends.)

Recently, the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) approved the wage increase orders submitted by the RTWPBs in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and Soccsksargen.

Asked about other regions with pending possible wage hikes, Laguesma said that so far only six regions have finished their processes—the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, Central Visayas, Cagayan, Central Luzon, and Soccsksargen.

Laguesma said three other regions are already conducting public hearings, which will be followed by wage deliberations and issuance of wage orders.

The wage hikes either resulted from the motu proprio act of the regional wage board or petitions from labor groups due to escalating prices of basic goods and commodities.

Each board, composed of representatives from the government, management, and labor sectors, conducts public hearings and wage deliberations.

Retail or service establishments regularly employing not more than 10 workers and enterprises affected by natural calamities and/or human-induced disasters may apply for wage increase exemption.

Barangay micro business enterprises (BMBEs) are not covered by the minimum wage law, according to DOLE. —VAL, GMA Integrated News