MANILA: The looming PHP35 increase in the daily minimum wage for private sector workers in Metro Manila can still be appealed, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Tuesday. In an interview, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said those who would like to appeal the decision of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)- National Capital Region (NCR) may file an appeal before the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC). "The appeal can be filed within 10 days from publication of the wage order, or until July 11," the DOLE chief said. He said even the employers' sector may also file an appeal against Wage Order No. NCR-25. "Any individual or organization, whether labor or employer, who feels aggrieved can file (an appeal)," Laguesma added. The order sets the new minimum wage rate from PHP610 to PHP645 for the non-agriculture sector; and from PHP573 to PHP608 for the agriculture sector, service and retail establishments employing 15 or fewer workers, and manufacturi ng establishments regularly employing less than 10 workers. The new wage rates will take effect on July 17, or 15 days after its publication on July 1. Source: Philippines News Agency