Initial discussions on the petitions to increase the minimum wage across the country are set this week, following calls primarily from labor unions to set a minimum wage in line with the country's current inflation rate of eight percent, Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said on Sunday.

In a DZRH interview, Laguesma said that Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards will have to consult with affected sectors regarding the petitions for a wage increase, maintaining that adjustments should only be done once according to law, except is such situations are seen as supervening events.

"This is being carefully considered by our RTWPBs. We also have representatives from the labor sector, business sector, the national government, the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, and the National Economic Development Authority who will also assist in the discussions of our RTWPBs," Laguesma said.

Inflation hits salary value
In Metro Manila, the current minimum wage is at P533 and P570 for agriculture and non-agriculture workers, respectively. However, wages are lower in other regions, especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with a P306 and P341 minimum wage for agriculture and non-agricultural workers, respectively.

The recent increase in the country's inflation rate further amplified the calls for a much higher minimum wage, with independent think-tank IBON Foundation increasing their proposed family living wage across regions at between P957 and P1,140, the latter figure being the recommended living wage in Metro Manila.

Labor groups went to the streets yesterday to continue their demands for higher wages. Kilusang Mayo Uno Secretary-General Jerome Adonis called out President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for his lack of response on the rising inflation rate and subsequent economic woes.

"(Marcos) Junior said that they are doing their best, but if it's true, why is it that our salaries haven't been increasing? Why aren't they removing tax impositions on basic goods to at least lower their prices?" Adonis said.