CVisayas approves P22 wage increase

CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Central Visayas approved Thursday afternoon a P22-increase in the daily minimum wage, said to be the biggest since 1989.

RTWPB7 board secretary Grace Carreon bared that the increase was unanimously approved with consensus, meaning no votation was done to reach the final decision.

If the traditional two-week schedule for confirmation and publication will be followed, the increase will take effect by December 10 this year.

Meanwhile, the new increase would apply only to minimum wage earners in all classes in the Central Visayas, which means those who have been receiving P305 or below would get the additional pay.

Metro Cebu workers, who are receiving P305 a day will now get P327 once the new wage order takes effect next month.

The present minimum wage in other areas range from P240 (for non-sugar agriculture workers in Class D areas) to P285 (for non-agriculture workers for Class B areas) depending on their classification.

Moreover, companies with employees receiving a little over P305 are also required to implement the increase to avoid distortion. (Phoebe Jen Indino)