Minimum-wage workers told: Don’t expect P200/month subsidy from gov’t

Do not expect any P200 monthly subsidy from the government.

This was the message of the Associated Labor Unions (ALU), the country’s largest labor organization for around 4.1 million minimum-wage workers.

ALU spokesman Alan Tanjusay said that the economic relief endorsed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) might be thumbed down by President Duterte’s economic managers.

“I caution minimum-wage workers: Don’t expect that they will really benefit from the proposed subsidy. We expect the economic managers recommend to President Duterte to turn it down,” Tanjusay said in a statement on Monday.

The labor union’s spokesman noted that Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia have all expressed “disapproval” toward the measure.

“Our only hope is for Mr. Duterte realize the urgent need for workers to be given economic relief in the face of the incredible series of increases in the prices of commodities and services making life difficult for workers who helps and maintain the economic growth at competitive level,” Tanjusay said.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III earlier said the proposal was drafted upon consultation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Finance (DOF).

As of posting, the proposal is pending with the Office of the President.   /vvp