CEBU CITY -- While the actual increase in the salary of workers in the private sector would not come on Labor Day, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said she would want at least a report on how the tripartite wage boards have deliberated on the matter.

In an interview with reporters here late Monday, the President reiterated her order to the wage boards to report for work on May 1 to discuss pending petitions for wage increase.

"As I said, I asked the tripartite wage boards to meet. I'll listen to the report, that's the most important thing," she said when asked what her activities would be on Labor Day.

Arroyo called on the wage boards to expedite deliberations to help workers in the private sector cope with the rising prices of oil and basic commodities, particularly, rice.

She also appealed to earning corporations, such as telecommunications and oil firms, to give non-wage benefits to their employees such as rice subsidy and transportation allowance.

Acting Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said that pending petitions for a wage increase ranged from P60 to P150.