P10 Cola hike OKd in ARMM

COTABATO CITY—Workers in private companies in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will get a P10 increase in cost of living allowance (Cola), raising their daily minimum wage to P232.

Myra Alih, regional labor secretary, said on Monday that the wage order issued by the regional wage board would take effect in September following a 15-day publication requirement in national and local newspapers of general circulation.

Alih said the P10 increase was “reasonably beneficial” since the Cola is “not taxable and therefore would directly benefit workers.”

The wage order is awaiting the signature of acting ARMM Gov. Ansaruddin Adiong.

Alih also appealed to the Department of Energy to help regulate the “exorbitant” increase in fuel prices by 10 to 20 percent in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

“Premium gas selling at more than P60 per liter is too much a burden to our poor public utility vehicle drivers and fishermen,” she said.

She said the new wage benefit would cushion the impact of high fuel prices.