Tuesday, May 06, 2008 Dole-11 supports non-wage benefits for labor sector By Carlo P. Mallo
A TOP official of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Davao Region lauded efforts to exempt minimum wage earners from the income tax, as well as other non-wage benefits the government is planning to implement.
He said such plan would indeed boost the labor sector.
In an interview with Dole-Southern Mindanao chief, lawyer Jalilo dela Torre, he said the non-wage benefits being pushed by the government amid clamor for an P80 wage hike from the labor sector will be very helpful for the minimum wage earners.
"We have the rice subsidy, cheaper medicines bill, and the proposed tax exemption of the minimum wage earners," dela Torre said.
Moreover, members of the business sector in Davao City have already aired their apprehension on the proposed P80 wage hike saying that it is a bit too high.
For its part, the labor department has yet to come up with its own decision as it is still awaiting the recommendations of other government agencies on the need of a wage hike.
"We are not bound by any figure, be it P80 or P160, if there is basis to raise the minimum wage, then it should be," dela Torre said. (CPM)
