DOL begins min wage review after Marcos' directive

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma announced Wednesday that regional wage boards will begin reviewing minimum wage rates following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive during Labor Day celebrations on May 1.

The National Capital Region's (NCR) wage board is set to start its review next week, followed by at least ten other regions from July to August.

Public consultations and hearings will be part of the process, with labor officials instructing all Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) to submit indicative calendars 30 days before starting their reviews within a 60-day timeline.

Labor groups are pushing for a more substantial legislated wage hike due to high inflation, while employers warn of potential job losses and negative impacts on the economy.

The Department of Labor urged lawmakers to consider its technical inputs regarding the impact of a legislated wage increase on employment levels, GDP growth, and inflation.