Board Approves P35 Minimum Wage Increase for NCR Workers

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) has sanctioned a P35 increase in the daily minimum wage for workers in the National Capital Region (NCR), raising it from P610 to P645 for the non-agriculture sector.

According to a report by dzBB’s Manny Vargas, the National Wages and Productivity Commission announced the decision on Monday morning. This adjustment will take effect 15 days after the order’s publication in national newspapers.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) confirmed the decision, stating that the official order will be released within the day. Certain establishments, such as retail and service businesses with fewer than 10 workers and enterprises impacted by natural or human-induced disasters, can apply for exemption from this wage increase. The hike also excludes Barangay Micro Business Enterprises as per Republic Act No. 9178.

The DOLE noted that the increase stems from three petitions filed by various labor groups, citing rising costs of basic goods and commodities. The decision aligns with criteria under the Wage Rationalization Act.

“The new rates, which translate to about a 5.7% increase from the prevailing daily minimum wage rates in the region, remain above the latest regional poverty threshold for a family of five,” stated the DOLE. “These also result in a comparable 5% increase in wage-related benefits, including 13th month pay, service incentive leave (SIL), and social security benefits such as SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG.”

In June, the RTWPB-NCR held an open forum with various stakeholders about the wage hike proposal. The last wage increase in NCR was implemented on July 16, 2023, with rates set at P610 for the non-agricultural sector and P573 for the agriculture sector, following a P40 raise deemed insufficient by workers to cope with living costs.

During this year’s Labor Day celebrations, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered a review of minimum wage rates across all regions.