No wage petition filed yet --- Nat’l Wages and Productivity Commission


The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) said Friday that there is no wage petition filed yet in any region.


"As of (the) start (of) this year no petition yet," NWPC Executive Director Maria Criselda Sy said in a virtual forum.

Labor groups have called for wage hikes amid the spikes in prices of food and job losses. 

Sy revealed that majority of the 17 regions in the country have already reached the anniversary dates of their last wage orders. 

"Based on our record, all wage orders have already reached their anniversary dates, except for Regions 2 and 12 which were issued before the pandemic last year," she said.

Sy said the anniversary of the wage order in Regions 2 and 12 is in March and February respectively.

Under the law, no petition for wage increase may be entertained within the 12-month period from the effectivity of the last wage order. 

Sy also revealed that the commission has issued the omnibus rules on minimum wage determination which will take effect on January 27.

"Our procedure on minimum wage determination is designed to be conducted face to face, particularly consultations and public hearings. That's why these were suspended amid the pandemic," she said.

"We have simplified our minimum wage setting procedures. We have provided for the use of the digital platforms for the public consultations and hearings to ensure the continuity of services of our regional boards despite the community restrictions," Sy added.