Metro workers get P15 basic pay hike

All minimum wage earners in the metropolis who work for the private sector will get an additional P15 in their basic pay—half of the P30 Cost of Living Allowance (Cola)—the labor department announced Tuesday.

“Wage Order NCR-No.18 provides for a P10 additional pay effective [Oct. 1, 2013] and the integration to the basic pay of P15 of the existing P30 Cola provided [for] under Wage Order NCR-No. 17 which took effect on [Jan. 1, 2014],” Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said in a statement.

With the integration, the minimum wage for private sector workers in the NCR now stands at P466—composed of the basic pay of P451 and half of the existing P30 Cola or P15.

“The integration of the P15 Cola into the basic pay translates to a P330 increase in the minimum monthly basic pay of NCR workers. It also means an increase in minimum wage earners’ 13th month pay, overtime pay, night shift differential pay and other statutory benefits because the integrated P15 Cola is included in the computation of these benefits,” Baldoz explained.

Based on Wage Order NCR-No. 18, the new wage rate shall apply to all minimum wage workers in the private sector in Metro Manila, regardless of their position, designation or status of employment and regardless of the method by which they are paid.

The new rate, however, does not apply to household service or domestic helpers; persons in the personal service of another, including family drivers; and workers of duly-registered Barangay Micro Business Enterprises with Certificates of Authority.

Wage Order NCR-No. 18 also states that workers who are paid by how much they produce, including those paid on piecemeal basis, “takay,” “pakyaw” or task basis, shall be entitled to the prescribed minimum wage for eight hours of work per day, or a proportionate amount if they work fewer than eight hours.