Manila: The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) is opposing petitions for a proposed wage increase this year, citing low inflation in the province. The NOCCI president, Edward Du, expressed concerns about the fairness of a wage adjustment given the recent decrease in commodity prices.

According to Philippines News Agency, Du stated that there is no need for another round of wage adjustments this year due to the province's negative inflation rates in recent months, as presented by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) during a minimum wage public hearing.

The Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board in Central Visayas is conducting a series of public hearings to determine the minimum wage. During a hearing for Negros Oriental and Siquijor, the labor sector proposed a PHP1,200 across-the-board increase.

NOCCI highlighted PSA data showing that inflation rates for the second quarter of 2025 were negative: April at -0.1 percent, May at -0.2 percent, and June at -1.0 percent.

In its position paper, NOCCI emphasized that while respecting workers' rights, they believe a wage increase would not solve workers' issues. The organization argued that increasing wages without enhancing productivity could worsen problems by raising production costs.

The group warned that a wage increase might lead to higher prices and create a "vicious cycle" of hardship for workers, particularly in the unorganized sector, which makes up 40 percent of the labor force. Du further cautioned that a wage hike could "cripple" small businesses, noting that approximately 90 percent of enterprises in the province are micro, small, and medium enterprises.