RTWPB Caraga announces increase of P20 to minimum wage earners
BUTUAN CITY – The Caraga Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) Secretary VI Earl D. Dela Victoria announced to the media practitioners the implementation of the 2nd tranche of Wage Order No. 19, during the 123rd Labor Day Press Conference of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga in Butuan City on April 25.
Dela Victoria said, “As per Wage Order No. 19 which took effect on January 2, 2025, an additional P20 increase will be given to our minimum wage earners starting May 1, 2025 raising Caraga’s minimum wage to P435.”
He added the importance of reviewing the wages of the employees as this increase may result to wage distortion. “To all of our business owners, while it is true that you need not increase the wages of your employees who are already receiving more than the mandated minimum wage, we also ask you to review their salaries because wage distortion might exist.”
For concerns on the management sector, Dela Victoria explained that per Omnibus Guidelines, any appeal to the Wage Order shall be filed within 10 days from publication thereof. “Considering that the wage board did not receive any appeal from both management and labor sectors, we believe there are no concerns relative to the new minimum wage rate.”
He underscored that in terms of the amount of the increase, Caraga region ranked 3rd in the entire Philippines, implementing an additional P50 to the current wage rate of P385.
Meanwhile, DOLE Caraga Director and Regional Wage Board Chairperson Jason P. Balais urged the public to comply with the new minimum wage rate to avoid violation of labor laws.
“RTWPB Caraga is conducting information dissemination all over Caraga through the Usapang 2Ps: Pasahod at Productivity to inform establishments of the new minimum wage rate,” Dir. Balais said.
Wage Order No. 19 which took effect on January 2, 2025 mandated an increase of P50 to all minimum wage earners. This increase is given in two tranches, P30 upon the effectivity of the new wage order or on January 2, 2025, and P20 increase on May 1, 2025. (Attorney Lorainne D. Sacote, RTWPB Caraga/PIA Caraga)