Manila: Following the approval of the historic PHP85 increase in daily wages in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Thursday said the adjustment will have a positive effect to workers. In a statement, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino explained that the salary hike does not only raise the daily take-home pay of minimum wage earners but will also affect several wage-related monetary benefits mandated under Philippine labor laws.
According to Philippines News Agency, the current earnings for workers stand at PHP18,127. For those working six days a week, such as security guards, this figure will rise to PHP19,692 by July 19, and subsequently to PHP20,345 by January 20, 2027. Tolentino noted that workers may also receive increases in monetary benefits that are computed based on the applicable basic wage. These include holiday pay, overtime pay, premium pay for work on rest days and special days, night shift differential, service incentive leave pay, 13th-month pay, separation pay, retirement pay, and other wage-related benefits provided under existing labor laws and regulations.
Overtime pay and night shift differentials are also set to increase, along with other benefits. Work performed on a holiday is compensated at double the rate, creating ripple effects on various benefits that will be felt by and provide assistance to workers in Metro Manila. The DOLE urged NCR employers to comply with the new wage order within the prescribed period and to ensure the accurate computation of all wage-related benefits.
Tolentino also assured workers of ongoing wage assessments outside NCR, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to review and conduct public consultations within 60 days prior to the anniversary dates of their latest wage orders. For inquiries regarding the implementation of the new wage order and the computation of wage-related benefits, the public may contact the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board - National Capital Region at [email protected] or call the DOLE Hotline 1349.
