P10-hike in ‘cost of living allowance’ approved for ARMM private sector workers

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – The Regional Tripartite Wage and Regulatory Board in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, has approved a 10-peso increase in the cost of living allowance of non-government workers in the ARMM.

This will bring the minimum daily take-home pay of private sector workers in the ARMM to P232.

Myra Alih, regional labor secretary, said on Monday the new wage order for workers in the private sector would take effect by September following a 15-day publication in national and local newspapers of general circulation.

Alih said the P10 hike in the COLA would be “reasonably beneficial” since under the law, COLA could not be deducted from the employees’ withholding tax.

“This is not taxable and therefore would directly benefit workers,” she said.

Alih said the newly approved wage order in the region was awaiting signing by acting ARMM Gov. Ansaruddin Adiong before it could be published in a popular broadsheet or tabloid.

She also urged the Department of Energy to help regulate the exorbitant increases of fuel prices by 10 to 20 percent in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

“Premium gas selling at more P60 per liter, I think is too much a burden to our poor public utility vehicle drivers and fishermen,” said Alih, who regarded the new minimal wage hike of P10 as a cushioning tool for the fuel price impact.