Labor Groups Cry 'Deception' Over P60 Wage Hike in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Labor groups yesterday accused the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of misleading workers following the issuance of a new wage order in Metro Manila. The groups questioned the consultation process that led to the proposed P60 daily wage increase and its effect on the earlier P85 wage hike. The National Wage Coalition, including the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), said the process surrounding Wage Order No. NCR-28 was “deceptive” because workers were allegedly not properly informed that a Sept. 2 consultation would be used as a basis for a new wage order. The groups also questioned why the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) issued a new order, providing a P60 increase while Wage Order No. NCR-27, which granted an P85 increase in two tranches, remains under court injunction. TUCP spokesman Carlos Miguel Oñate said they went to the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) to submit a position paper and seek clarification on Wage Order No. 28. He said the groups had expected to participate in the tripartite proceedings, but their position paper was not immediately received by officials. Labor leaders also questioned the absence of NWPC and DOLE officials at yesterday’s meeting. The new wage order was approved by the RTWPB-NCR on Sept. 7. If affirmed and published, the order could take effect on Sept. 26 or 27. Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said the P60 increase under NCR-28 should not be viewed as a deduction from the P85 under NCR-27 because the earlier wage order has yet to be implemented.