By Genalyn KabilingÂ
The P25 increase in the minimum wage of private workers in Metro Manila is still "subject to change" depending on the economic situation, Malacañang said Monday. But for now, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the latest wage adjustment approved by the wage board was "enough" to help workers in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo(OPS / MANILA BULLETIN) "There has been deliberation of the wage board and apparently that's the decision so let's see," Panelo said during a Palace press briefing when asked if the minimum wage hike was fair. When asked if the wage hike was enough for workers cope with rising prices, Panelo said: "Perhaps presently that's what they found out that's enough but I guess it's always subject to change depending on the economic conditions." The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) earlier announced the new minimum wage rate in Metro Manila would be P537 across different sectors following P25 increase approved by the NCR Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board. The labor department also disclosed the integration of the P10 cost of living allowance (COLA) in the minimum wage. Earlier, the Palace said the interests of the labor sector and employers would be taken into consideration during the deliberation on the wage hike petition. "The Palace assures everyone that the interests and well-being of both sides, management, and labor, as well as the overall impact to our domestic economy, would be considered by the government in attending to this matter," he added. Labor groups have pressed for a P335-increase in the daily minimum wage of private workers in Metro Manila to help them cope with rising consumer prices. Employers, however, have reportedly warned that such huge wage hike proposal might hit businesses and scare away investors. Read more:Â P25 wage hike OK'd in Metro Manila