EXPORT ORDERS | Laborers are seen at work in a factory at the Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) in Lapu-Lapu City in this file photo. On Labor Day, the regional wage board was asked to review workers’ average pay. (Photo from the Facebook account of the MEPZ Workers Alliance)
Updated on May 1, 2024 at 11:21 a.m.
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Labor Day called upon the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board to review the minimum wages for their respective region amid inflation.
Marcos also ordered the National Wages and Productivity Commission to review its rules.
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“As President, I call upon the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board to initiate a timely review of the minimum wage in their respective region with due consideration to the impact of inflation, among others, within 60 days prior to the anniversary of their latest wage order,” said Marcos in his Labor Day speech in Malacañan Palace.
“I call on the National Wages and Productivity Commission to review its rules to ensure that the boards are able to maintain a regular and predictable schedule of wage review, issuance and effectivity to reduce uncertainty and enhance fairness for all stakeholders,” he added.
The country’s minimum wage varies per region under the Wage Rationalization Act.
However, some labor rights advocates believe this has caused workers’ pay disparities.
“The current setup has further exacerbated discrimination against workers in provincial and rural areas, especially those in agriculture, undermining the dignity of numerous Filipino workers,” said Federation of Free Workers President Sonny Matula back in February.
Legislators such as Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri have tried to increase the national minimum wage by P100.
However, efforts for a legislated wage hike have been met with ire from employers, with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry believing that business owners have not been taken into consideration.