MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that there would be a financial aid distribution to celebrate the May 1 Labor Day, but there is no planned wage increase.
Labor Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez said that DOLE is distributing 1.8 billion worth of financial aid as a gift on Labor Day. He made the announcement during a Laging Handa briefing yesterday.
“We will be extending financial aid to qualified workers. Based on our data, we will be providing financial assistance, as of yesterday, Php1.8 billion worth of assistance,” Benavidez said in Filipino.
Benavidez added that in the National Capital Region (NCR) alone, they distributed roughly Php100 million in salaries to Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged and Displaced Workers beneficiaries.
He also said that DOLE would allocate close to Php50 million in livelihood assistance to those qualified workers in the country.
As to workers’ demand for wage increases, he said the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) are still reviewing possibilities of implementation.
To date, there are eight wage hike petitions pending before the RTWPB in National Capital Region (NCR), Calabarzon, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas.
“And just like what is stated in our laws, there is a process that needs to be followed. First, look if the petition is sufficient in form and substance. Aside from that, there will be consultation and hearing before coming out with, if necessary, a wage order,” Benavidez added.
He further expounded and said that DOLE is letting the process and mechanism determine if it is necessary to make revisions to the current minimum wage in different areas of the country. He emphasized that is what the law says in determining the minimum wage.
He then advised prospective job applicants to be ready with their requirements before proceeding to the job fairs the government will conduct as part of the labor day celebration. – WhatALife! Anthony
Also read: Guide: How Much is the Minimum Wage in The Philippines in 2023?
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