DOLE approves wage hikes in Metro Manila, Western Visayas

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) gave its approval to increase the minimum wage for workers in Metro Manila and Western Visayas.
In a statement released by DOLE, Metro Manila workers were granted a ₱33 (US$0.63) wage hike, bringing the minimum wage rate to ₱570 (US$10.89) for the non-agriculture sector and ₱533 (US$26.62) for the agriculture sector.
Meanwhile, in Western Visayas, DOLE approved a wage hike of ₱55 (US$1.05) and ₱110 (US$5.49) for non-agriculture, industrial, and commercial establishments; and ₱95 (US$1.81) for the agriculture sector.
This brings the minimum wage in the region to ₱450 (US$8.59) and ₱420 (US$8.02); and ₱410 (US$7.83), respectively.
A ₱500 (US$500) wage increase was also approved for domestic workers.
DOLE said that this move is expected to benefit around one million minimum wage earners in private establishments and protect them “from undue low pay.”
The new wage orders are now up for review and will take effect 15 days after newspaper publication.