DOLE enforces P50 daily wage hike in Metro Manila

Sophia Buenavidez

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has urged private sector employers in Metro Manila to begin implementing the 50-peso daily minimum wage increase starting July 18.

According to DOLE, approximately 1.2 million minimum wage earners in Metro Manila are expected to benefit directly from the increase.

With the adjustment, the daily minimum wage for the non-agriculture sector has increased from Php 645 to Php 695.

The adjustment translates to an additional Php 1,100 per month for a five-day workweek and Php 1,300 for a six-day workweek.

Minimum wage earners in agriculture, retail and service establishments with 15 or fewer workers, and manufacturing firms with fewer than 10 employees will now receive Php 658 daily, up from Php 608.

DOLE – National Capital Region (NCR) Director Sarah Buena Mirasol expressed hope that employers would voluntarily implement the wage order.

Mirasol also reminded employers that non-compliance may lead to penalties, including fines and imprisonment, as stated under existing labor laws.

“Exemptions to the wage increase will only be granted to eligible establishments, such as those affected by natural disasters or facing critical financial hardship,” Mirasol said.

She also reminded employers that failure to implement the wage hike may lead to penalties, including fines and imprisonment under the Labor Code.

Labor group Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO), however, described the minimum wage hike as an “insult” and a “damage control” after the 19th Congress failed to pass the proposed bill granting a Php 200 daily minimum wage increase.

“The measly wage increases under [President Marcos Jr.’s term only prove that he does not understand the economic struggles of workers. He killed the wage hike bill at the urging of the country’s largest business groups,” the labor group said.