Malacañang is supporting Labor Sec. Silvestre Bello III’s order to review minimum wages across the country as oil prices continue to increase amid ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Communications Sec. Martin Andanar, also acting presidential spokesperson, made this remark after Bello directed regional tripartite wages and productivity boards (RTWPBs) across the country to review minimum wages and submit their recommendations by April or May.
“Nagpahayag na rin si Labor Sec. Bebot Bello ng kaniyang suhestiyon diyan sa pag-increase ng minimum wage at siya naman ay sang-ayon dito. So I will take it from the Labor Sec.na kung iyon ang kaniyang policy,” Andanar said in a radio interview.
He said since Bello is the “alter ego of the President”, he would make decisions and implement policies that would benefit the country and Filipinos.
Bello said the fuel price hikes which have been worsened by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine may be a “compelling ground for the wage boards to recommend adjustments in the minimum wages of workers.”
“Hopefully before the end of April or May, they already have recommendations. We also need to be careful on wage adjustment to strike a balance between the need of workers and the existence of the employer,” Bello said.
RTWPBs nationwide are in charge of receiving petitions for minimum wage increases in their respective areas. – PNA
April 27, 2024
