Rest of minimum wage takes effect Nov. 1, DOLE reminds employers

MANILA, Philippines–The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines on Tuesday reminded employers that the remaining P10 increase in the cost of living allowance (Cola) for minimum wage earning workers in Metro Manila should take effect on Thursday, Nov. 1.

“Thus the minimum wage for Metro workers would be P456 for non-agricultural workers while P419 for agricultural workers,” TUCP president Democrito Mendoza said in a statement.

It can be recalled that last May 18, the National Capital Region wage board issued a new wage order introducing a P30 hike in the Cola allowance for workers in Metro Manila that will be paid in two tranches.

The first of the two tranches took effect last June, thereby granting an additional P20 Cola allowance for Metro Manila workers.

According to the Department of Labor and Employment, around 700,000 minimum wage earners in the metropolis benefit from the Cola hike.

“This P10 increase is a welcome news for minimum wage earners,” Mendoza said, but added that their appeal for a higher wage order remains as he stressed that the P30 increase was “too small.”

“A Filipino family of six needs at least P993 every day to live decent lives. We still have a long way to go,” Mendoza said.