TACLOBAN CITY – More than 2 million workers in the region will start receiving the second tranche of their minimum wage increase beginning Sunday, June 1.
Under Wage Order No. 24, issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) and approved on November 5, 2024, the daily minimum wage will rise to P435 for non-agriculture workers and P405 for those in the agriculture sector.
Previously, the minimum wage stood at P420 and P390 for the non-agriculture and agriculture sectors, respectively.
A labor inspection officer from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the region said that inspections and advisory visits are ongoing to ensure compliance.
“Violators will be required to pay the wage differential,” the officer said, adding that penalties may include fines of up to P200,000, imprisonment of up to four years, or closure of the establishment.
Although exact figures on violators are not yet available, previous reports show that wage violations in the region remain minimal.
Wage Order No. 24 provides exemptions for distressed establishments, retail or service firms with 10 or fewer employees, and new businesses within a two-year grace period.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
