Wage hike? It’s up to wage boards, says Palace

Wage hike (INQUIRER.net PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang will let regional wage boards decide on the petition to raise salaries, particularly in Metro Manila.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo issued the statement after three labor groups sought to increase the minimum wage in the metropolis from P537 to P750.

“Nasa wage board iyan. Kasi ang wage board ang magde-determine niyan eh, kung kailangan o kung hindi depende sa circumstances surrounding whatever petition they have in mind,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

Three labor groups—Kilos na Manggagawa, Metal Workers Alliance of the Philippines and the BPO Industry Employees Network—have sought an increase of P750 in the daily minimum wage through a petition filed with the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board.

The groups said the salary increase would enable workers and their families to “survive” following a spike in the prices of goods and services.

Meanwhile, Panelo said Malacañang would not stop the workers’ rallies on Wednesday, Labor Day.

“It’s their right to protest. You can even join them. You can even join them if you feel like joining,” he said./ac