The new minimum wage rate in Metro Manila will take effect on July 18 (Friday), according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The agency reminded employers to address wage distortion or wage discrepancies to maintain good relations with workers.
According to Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, wage adjustment is important to prevent demoralization of workers who have been on the job for a long time but are being outpaced by new hires due to the minimum wage increase.
Companies can seek help from the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards if they need guidance in fixing wage distortion. However, according to Laguesma, it is better if companies do this voluntarily.
Effective Friday, the new minimum wage for workers in the non-agriculture sector will be P695 per day from the previous P645. Meanwhile, those in the agriculture sector and small retail and service establishments (with 15 employees or less) will receive P658 per day from the previous P608.
The wage increase is part of the government's goal to raise the quality of life of workers in Metro Manila.
