Marcos assures workers wage concerns are being addressed

The Department of Labor and Employment said it has allocated P2.57 billion in assistance to workers nationwide under the agency’s Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP).

- 

The DILEEP, which consists of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), is seen to help a total of 406,781 Filipinos.

Of this number, a total 389,613 are listed under emergency employment through TUPAD, while 17,168 are supported with livelihood grants or kabuhayan packages under DILP, according to DOLE.

Minimum wage rates review

The review of the minimum wage rates in some regions is set to start this month as ordered by President Marcos, said DOLE's Bureau of Local Employment head Assistant Secretary Patrick P. Patriwirawan Jr.

When asked about the appeal of labor groups for a P200 legislated wage hike, Patriwirawan said DOLE is ready to implement this if Congress passes the law and Marcos approves it.

Patriwirawan said employers are consulted on the possible impact of wage hikes on their businesses.

NCR

The DOLE-National Capital Region (NCR) said it will also start the process for the wage rate review this month.

“Sixty days prior to the anniversary date ng (of) effectivity ng (of) wage order, magsa-start na kami (we will start),” said DOLE-NCR Regional Director Sara Mirasol.

“We'll have labor consultation as well as the employer consultation, dalawa (two) this May and then magkakaroon ng public hearing by June (there will be a public hearing by June),” she added.

The result of the wage deliberations is expected to be released in July.

In July 2024, the RTWPB approved the P35 hike in the daily minimum wage of workers in the NCR, increasing it from P610 to P645 for the non-agriculture sector.

‘We will never abandon you’

President Marcos recognized that the country's progress rests on the shoulders of Filipino workers and assured them on Labor Day that the government will never abandon them.