MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday gave assurance that it would comply if Congress decides to grant an across-the-board legislated wage increase for workers nationwide.
In a statement, the DOLE said its function and duty is to ensure that minimum wage adjustments are made by the current wage system established by Congress.
It said technical inputs in aid of legislation have been submitted to Congress, which, it clarified, has the sole power to enact law.
“The DOLE is not in a position to restrict the exercise of this power, much less reject it,” the department statement read.
“Should Congress decide to amend or repeal Republic Act (RA) No. 6727 (Wage Rationalization Act), the DOLE’s duty will be to implement the law no matter how hard that will be.”
Several bills seeking to amend RA 6727 to increase salaries ranging from PHP100 to PHP750 in the private sector have been filed both in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Under the current system, the DOLE said Congress delegated the power to adjust minimum wages at the regional level with the participation of representatives of workers and employers to the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs).
The process is under the supervision of the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), an agency attached to DOLE.
In 2013, Congress passed RA 10361, or the Batas Kasambahay, giving the RTWPBs a mandate to set minimum wages for domestic or household workers.
During the Labor Day celebration on May 1, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on the RTWPBs to initiate a timely review of the regional minimum wage rates within 60 days from the anniversary date of the most recent wage order in the concerned region.
The DOLE said the President’s directive is an affirmation of the importance, usefulness, and effectiveness of the wage boards in addressing the issue of minimum wage adjustments.
After the President’s directive, the DOLE through the NWPC, issued a resolution directing the RTWPBs to commence the timely review of minimum wages.
The RTWPB in the National Capital Region has set a public consultation on July 16.
The consultation with the labor sector will be held on May 23 and the employer sector on June 4, while the public hearing is targeted to be held on June 20. (PNA)