FIVE regions are expected to begin their respective minimum wage review processes by next month, based on the records of the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC).
According to the NWPC, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Central Visayas, and Soccsksargen are expected to begin their wage review process by August 2025.
This has been set, as the effectivity dates of the last wage orders of their respective regional wage boards are nearing their anniversary dates. These are September 30 for Calabarzon; October 2 for Central Visayas; and October 17 for Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and Soccsksargen.
In a social media post, the NWPC pointed that Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) are mandated to regularly review the respective minimum wage rates in their respective regions.
However, the agency said there is a provided timeline before the RTWPBs can review the existing minimum wage rates.
"Hindi maaaring galawin o itaas ng regional wage boards ang kasalukuyang minimum wage rate hangga't hindi pa nag-iisang taon ang kasalukuyang wage order," said the NWPC.
Barmm wage hike
In a related development, the Wage Order Barmm-04 issued by the Bangsamoro Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (BTWPB) is now in effect.
"Epektibo na ang P50 na pagtaas sa arawang sahod ng mga manggagawa sa pribadong sektor sa Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm)," said the Barmm Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE).
Under the wage order, the minimum wage rate for non-agricultural workers is now at P411, while workers in the agricultural sector will now receive P386 in Cotabato City.
In Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur and Marawi City, Basilan and Lamitan City, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, the new minimum wage for non-agricultural workers is P386, while workers in the agricultural sector must get the minimum wage of P376.
For workers in the Special Geographic Areas (SGA), the minimum wage for non-agricultural workers is now at P391, while those in the agricultural must receive P366. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)