Metro Manila P60 wage hike takes effect September 26

MANILA – Approximately 1.1 million minimum wage earners in the National Capital Region (NCR) will receive a P60 daily wage increase as Wage Order No. NCR-28 officially takes effect on Saturday.

This was announced by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino on Saturday at the central office in Intramuros, Manila on the sidelines of the launch of TUPAD-based "Trabahong-Dagat and Blue Enterprise Development" project.

TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) program is a community-based emergency employment program.

“Here we have shown the significance of a tripartite mechanism where the government, the employers' groups and the employees' groups are united to promote and elevate the dignity of the Filipino worker and also show that with this unity, we can promote a sustainable economy here in the NCR," Tolentino said.

Under the wage order, the minimum wage for non-agricultural workers in the NCR increases from PHP695 to PHP755 per day.

The minimum wage for workers in agriculture, small retail and service establishments employing 15 workers or less, and small manufacturing establishments regularly employing less than 10 workers, increases from PHP658 to PHP718 per day.

Tolentino called on employers to strictly comply with the new minimum wage rates, and ensure that their payroll and compensation systems reflect the prescribed increases.

The DOLE will continue to monitor compliance with the wage order and provide guidance to workers and employers on its proper implementation, Tolentino said.

The wage order follows the established tripartite wage-setting process undertaken by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-NCR and confirmed by the National Wages and Productivity Commission. (PNA)