Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 1) — Reelectionist Senator Risa Hontiveros on Labor Day called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to expedite the review of regional minimum wage petitions and enforce minimum wage mandates as the cost of living continues to increase.
In March, Labor secretary Silvestre Bello III ordered the review of minimum wages across the country amid the rising fuel prices.
READ: DOLE chief orders minimum wage review
“Ano mang delay sa paglalabas ng desisyon ukol sa minimum wage ay pwedeng magdulot ng kagutuman o kawalan ng pag-asa sa mga manggagawa na makaahon pa sila sa patong-patong na bayarin,” Hontiveros said.
[Any delay in the release of the minimum wage decision may cause hunger or hopelessness among workers amid their mounting financial problems.]
Hontiveros stressed that there have been no adjustments in the regional minimum wage for three years but expenses for food, transportation, utilities, and even the internet have increased.
“Oras na para tingnan at pag-aralan dahil hindi na sasapat ito sa gastusin ng mga pamilyang Pilipino,” she said.
[It’s high time to review the regional minimum wage because it is already not enough for ordinary Filipino families.]
The senator also urged DOLE to enforce its minimum wage mandates “more seriously.”
Citing the 2018 Labor Force Survey, Hontiveros said almost 10 million of the 41 million employed workers receive below minimum wages.
“Ngayong Labor Day, maging hudyat sana ito ng pagkilos ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno para unahin ang kapakanan ng mga manggagawa. Dahil ang tunay na pagkilala sa kanila ay pagbibigay ng makataong sweldo at tamang benepisyo para sa kanilang serbisyo,” she concluded.
[This Labor Day should serve as a signal for government agencies to act and prioritize the welfare of workers. We can truly honor them by giving the proper salary and benefits for their services.]
