No junking of wage hike bid, just ‘no action’, clarifies DOLE-NCR chief

MANILA, Philippines–The Metro Manila Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board decided not to act on the petition for a P90 across-the-board daily wage hike filed by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines because of the prohibition on the raising of wages within one year after the previous increase.

“We did not junk the petition; there was just no action taken on it.  Four out of the seven members of the wage board voted that that there was no existing supervening condition for us to consider raising wages as of now.  But we will tackle the wage hike petition after the May 26 anniversary of the previous increase, as we are mandated to do so,” Department of Labor and Employment-NCR director Alan Macaraya told the INQUIRER in a phone interview Friday.

Maracaya said the majority in the board were of the opinion that the inflation rate was insignificant, that the current prices of basic goods were stable, and that the fuel price increases were only temporary.  He noted that the wage board decision came before the 50-centavo jeepney fare increase in Metro Manila that took effect Wednesday.

The wage hike petition was filed by one of the rival factions of the TUCP, particularly the one led by lawyer Democrito Mendoza.  The other faction, led by former senator Ernesto Herrera, has backed the current P125 legislated wage hike bill pending before Cogress.which is currently suffering from a leadership struggle.