SLT 1239
November 18-24, 2023
The Regional Tripartite Wage Productivity Board (RTWPB) Eastern Visayas issued an order on November 6, 2023 that effective November 30, 2023, the daily minimum wage of workers will increase by P30. Eastern Visayas has an estimated labor force of 2.14 million persons.
Companies that employ 11 or more workers doing non-agriculture and retail service are to give a minimum wage of P405. And, employers of persons doing agriculture work are to give them a minimum wage of P375.
Workers in the cottage and handicraft industry, agriculture sector, and retail or service establishments employing 10 workers and below will receive P375.
RTWPB Region 8 also issued Wage Order RB VIII-DW-04, granting a monthly increase of P500 monthly wage to domestic workers in the region, bringing to a total of P5,500 in chartered cities and first-class municipalities and P5,000 in other municipalities in the region.
Eastern Visayas (Region 8) covers the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar.
Before the new minimum wage was ordered, there were consultations in Maasin City on August 24, 2023; in Ormoc City on September 7; in Calbayog City, Samar on September 21; and a public hearing in Tacloban City on October 9, 2023.
The Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry issued a Position Paper pushing for a status quo on the daily minimum wage, during the Maasin City consultation with employees, employers, industry associations, provincial, city and municipal officials and other interested persons.
The new minimum wage applies to all workers, including full-time, part-time, and contractual workers.
The RTWPB is tasked to determine the minimum wage in each of the 17 regions of the Philippines. The factors that the RTWPB consider in coming up with the minimum wage are the cost of living, productivity of workers, prevailing wage levels, and the economic conditions of the region.
