GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 22 Jan) – The initial P15 installment of the two-tranche P25 wage increase for private workers in Region 12 will take effect starting Feb. 2, an official said on Wednesday.
Sisinio Cano, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Region 12 director, said Wage Order No. RBXII-21 will be deemed officially effective after the completion of its 15-day publication period, which started last Jan. 18.
He said the new daily wage rates will increase to P326 for non-agriculture workers and P305 for those in agriculture, retail and service sectors with the integration of additional P15 for the first tranche.
The second tranche of P10 will take effect on May 1, bringing the region’s pay floor to P336 and P315, respectively, he said.
Cano said they are set to conduct a region-wide massive information campaign to ensure full compliance among employers on the new wage rates.
“We expect our employers to cooperate and give the due wages to their workers,” he told reporters.
He said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has signified to help inform employers regarding the wage increases through its Negosyo Centers.
They will also tap local chambers of commerce and other business groups to facilitate the wider dissemination of the new wage order, he said.
The official said they will monitor the compliance of employers to the wage increase and will assign teams to conduct work site inspections and assessments.
He said they will initially “entice” employers to comply but noted that they are ready to issue compliance orders to those that will refuse to implement the wage order.
Wage Order No. RBXII-21 was approved last Dec. 16 by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-12 and affirmed on Jan. 9 by the National Wages and Productivity Commission.
Cano said the issuance of the new wage order underwent proper consultations, especially with the employers and workers, and studies on the area’s socio-economic condition through data provided by the National Economic and Development Authority, DTI and the Philippine Statistics Authority.
“I believe our economy can support that wage order,” he added. (MindaNews)
