NEW WAGE ORDERS ISSUED IN CALABARZON AND CENTRAL VISAYAS — DOLE

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced on Monday, September 16, 2024, that the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) of Region IV-A (Calabarzon) and Region VII (Central Visayas) have released new wage orders, resulting in increases to the daily minimum wage rates for workers in private establishments.

According to DOLE, the wage increases range from P21 to P75 per day in Region IV-A and from P33 to P43 per day in Region VII.

The wage increase for Region IV-A is set to take effect on September 30, 2024, while the new wage order for Region VII will be implemented starting October 2, 2024.

“These wage orders were issued in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s Labor Day directive, instructing the RTWPBs to review regional minimum wage rates ahead of the anniversary dates of previous wage adjustments,” DOLE said in a statement.

In Region IV-A, the wage increase will bring daily minimum wages to P450-P560 in the non-agriculture sector, P425-P500 in the agriculture sector, and P425 in retail and service establishments with fewer than 10 workers, once all tranches are fully implemented.

Meanwhile, in Region VII, the RTWPB has retained its area-based classifications of Classes A, B, and C. However, each class will now have a uniform wage rate for both agriculture and non-agriculture sectors. The new wage rates will increase daily minimum wages from P458-P468 to P501 for Class A; from P425-P430 to P463 for Class B; and from P415-P420 to P453 for Class C.

ia/mnm

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has disclosed that over 5,500 job seekers secured employment following the Labor Day job fair held in various locations nationwide.

Most of the job seekers were hired for positions such as service crew, cashier, sales associate, production operator, sales clerk, production crew, online teacher, and housekeeper.

DOLE stated that these preliminary figures are expected to improve as job fairs will continue to be conducted until May 9 at select venues.

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma mentioned that the department organized at least one Labor Day job fair per province to bring employment opportunities closer to Filipino workers in the region.

The nationwide job fairs attracted 2,839 employers who offered 235,246 local vacancies and 166 employers who provided 62,431 overseas employment opportunities.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma announced on Tuesday (April 30, 2024) that over 200,000 job opportunities will be up for grabs during the job fair on Labor Day, Wednesday,  01 May 2024.

Laguesma mentioned that 40,000 of these openings are for positions overseas.

The Labor official also emphasized the importance of applicants being prepared for interviews, as employers may hire them on the spot.

“Maghanda po at dalhin ang mga kinakailangang dokumento. Importante rin na paghandaan ang mga panayam dahil maaaring agad kayong matanggap sa araw ding iyon,” he said in a radio interview.

In addition to the 97 job fair venues, there will also be stalls for ‘Kadiwa ng Pangulo’ offering affordable rice, fruits, and vegetables to Filipinos.

According to DOLE, the top vacancies this year include production workers, customer service representatives, cashiers, baggers, sales clerks, laborers, carpenters, painters, microfinance officers, financial advisers, service crew, cooks, waiters, truck drivers, nurses, property consultants, and tutors.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ), along with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Finance (DOF), and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) signed on Monday (April 25, 2024) the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) on government workers’ right to self-organize.

These agencies specifically signed the 2024 Rules and Regulations of Executive Order (E.O.) No. 180 series 1987, “Governing the Exercise of the Right of Government Employees to Self-Organize.”

According to DOJ, among the salients points was the Registration of National Employees’ Organizations (NEO) which is the coalition of registered employee organizations within an agency for Collective Negotiation Agreements (CNAs), provides clearer qualifications and criteria for personnel eligibility to join employee organizations, use of electronic filing of pleadings/documents and online platforms, integration of new council policies, employee elections and other important guidelines.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said that the ability of government employees to organize is pivotal to a responsive and resilient government.

“Today, as we inscribe our names unto this document, we celebrate the role of each government employee in shaping a government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people,” the Secretary added.

“The IRR we sign today is a promise — a promise to safeguard the rights of those who serve our country, to support their well-being, and to support their invaluable contribution to our nation.”

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that at least one job fair and Kadiwa ng Pangulo event per province will be conducted on Labor Day, May 1.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said  that more Filipino workers, job seekers, and consumers will have access to employment opportunities and affordable products as DOLE organizes these activities.

The event will be themed “Sa Bagong Pilipinas: Manggagawang Pilipino, Kabalikat at Kasama sa Pag-asenso.”

Job seekers are invited to visit any of the 96 job fair sites across the regions where 1,901 participating employers will offer 154,470 job vacancies as of the current date.

According to DOLE, the top vacancies this year include production workers, customer service representatives, cashiers, baggers, sales clerks, laborers, carpenters, painters, microfinance officers, financial advisers, service crew, cooks, waiters, truck drivers, nurses, property consultants, and tutors.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is urging employers to allow employees to be excused from work if they need to accompany their children for vaccination.

This directive is outlined in Labor Advisory No. 04, Series of 2024, issued by Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, in support of the nationwide immunization campaign taking place from April 1 to 15.

According to the advisory, private sector employers, especially those with employees who have children aged 6-59 months, are encouraged to grant leave to employees who need to accompany their children for scheduled vaccinations or to care for them in case of adverse reactions to the vaccine.

Upon returning to work, employees must provide proof of their children’s vaccination.

DOLE also recommends that employers coordinate with local government health departments regarding the vaccination schedules to ensure access to the necessary vaccines.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Amidst the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued a reminder to employers to prioritize health and safety protocols, aiming to mitigate heat stress and its impact on the workforce.

DOLE emphasizes the importance of adhering to Labor Advisory No. 8, series of 2023, which outlines key measures to prevent heat stress.

These measures include ensuring adequate ventilation and heat insulation in work areas, scheduling rest breaks or altering work locations as needed, providing employees with weather-appropriate uniforms and personal protective equipment, and ensuring access to free and plentiful drinking water.

Additional recommended strategies involve conducting awareness campaigns to help employees recognize and respond to symptoms of heat stress, and establishing protocols and communication networks to address heat-related emergencies in the workplace.

Moreover, DOLE encourages employers, with the consent of their workers, to implement flexible work arrangements that allow for adjustments in working hours until weather conditions improve, while maintaining the total number of working hours per day or week.

Employers are also urged to reach out to DOLE Regional Offices and Occupational Safety and Health Center-Regional Extension Units for technical assistance in reviewing and developing safety measures to prevent and manage heat stress in workplaces.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Unthinkable but Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma tends to sympathize with Filipino capitalists than the working class.

On Wednesday (21 Feb 2024), Laguesma said the proposed P100 wage hike for minimum wage earners could lead to wage distortion.

“Ang chain reaction ng mga karagdagang sweldo, umaabot kahit na hanggang sa managerial level,” the DOLE chief explained in an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

He added that over 8 million workers could indirectly benefit from an increase in minimum wage.

“Kung ang sweldo ay maabutan batay sa correction nung distortion ay pwede kayong makipag-usap sa management, dahil yung sweldo ay inabutan na ng mas junior sa akin, mas konti ang responsibilidad,” Laguesma noted.

The Senate on Monday (19 February 2024) passed on third reading Senate Bill No. 2534, which seeks a P100 daily minimum wage increase for employees and workers in the private sector.

Twenty senators voted in favor, with zero negative vote and no abstentions.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — No less than Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma on Tuesday (12 Feb 2024) rejected a proposed P100 legislated minimum wage increase, saying it could lead to a 15 to 25 percent increase in employee costs especially for small companies.

The DOLE chief noted that the previous round of wage hikes implemented by Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) showed minimal impact on employment levels.

“Meron ding mga nawalan ng hanapbuhay pero hindi naman ganon karami at kayang mabigyan ng paggabay para makabalik ‘yung mga manggagawang napinsala,” Laguesma said in his TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

He pointed out that any talk of a wage hike sets off an inflationary chain reaction starting with increases in transportation costs.

“Sa dakong huli maaari ‘yung karagdagang purchasing power ay baka ma-erode pa. Imbes na maging stable, baka maaaring magkaroon ng adverse na epekto,” Laguesma further said.

He also cautioned that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the countryside could also have a harder time attracting investors if wages are too high.

Meanwhile, Albay 2nd district Representative Joey Salceda and Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Stella Alabastro-Quimbo said allowing foreign capital ownership in vital industries by amending the 1987 Constitution will address this lack of funding for a legislated wage hike.

Salceda said foreign enterprises give wages that are 74% higher than that of Filipino companies while Quimbo maintained that increasing the minimum wage is only possible if there is a productivity increase with the entry of foreign firms.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued updated implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for Republic Act No. 11360, commonly known as the Service Charge Law.

The revisions aim to ensure the fair and equitable distribution of service charges to all eligible employees in establishments implementing service charges.

The new IRR explicitly emphasizes the non-diminution of benefits, safeguarding the existing benefits enjoyed by covered employees. DOLE clarified that all employees, regardless of position, designation, or employment status, are covered by the revised rules, except managerial employees.

The DOLE emphasized, “Saklaw ang lahat ng mga empleyado maliban ang mga ‘managerial employees’ na tinutukoy dito, anuman ang kanilang posisyon, pagkakatalaga, o estado ng kanilang empleyo, at anuman ang paraan kung paano binabayaran ang kanilang mga sahod.”

The revised guidelines also introduce conciliation through the Single-Entry Approach (SENA), providing an avenue for resolving disputes related to service charge distribution.

Additionally, Section 8 of the new IRR incorporates monitoring mechanisms for compliance. DOLE’s regional, provincial, field, and satellite offices are mandated to oversee private establishments, ensuring adherence to Department Order No. 239, series of 2023, also known as the Rules of Administration and Enforcement of Labor Standards Under Article 128 of the Code.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has released its initial labor advisory for the year, reminding employers to ensure proper payment of wages for the additional special (non-working) day on February 9 in celebration of the Chinese New Year nationwide.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma issued Labor Advisory No. 1, Series of 2024, aligning with Proclamation No. 453 from the Office of the President.

As per the advisory, the “no work, no pay” policy applies to employees who won’t work on the specified day, unless the company has a policy or collective bargaining agreement entailing wages for special non-working days.

DOLE added, “If an employee chooses to work on Feb 9, they will receive an additional 30 percent of their basic wage for the first eight hours.”

Chinese New Year falls on February 10th this year.

The declaration of February 9 as a non-working day aims to provide the public with an opportunity to celebrate the Chinese New Year, as stated by Malacañang earlier.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will continue to assist jeepney drivers and operators affected by the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program through its “enTSUPERneur” economic program.

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said that each affected transport worker is given a minimum amount of P30,000 in-kind livelihood assistance through the nationwide alternative livelihood program.

Laguesma added that DOLE has a list of economic projects from which beneficiaries can choose, including rice retailing, variety stores, food stall establishment, animal raising, agricultural input provision, and tailoring.

“More than 4,500 na pong transport workers ang nabigyang-ayuda, at iyon pong naibigay sa kanila ay umaabot na rin sa humigit-kumulang P123 million,” Laguesma said.

 “Itong taon na ito, mayroon pong naka-lineup na 1,500 transport workers na nagnanais ding makakuha, na habang nagnanais silang sana tuloy-tuloy ang kanilang talagang pangunahing hanapbuhay, ay matulungan natin, magabayan natin na mayroon silang alternatibong pagkakakitaan,” he added.

The secretary said the livelihood package also contains materials, inputs, and market linkages to help the beneficiaries.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently released the guidelines detailing the accurate computation of workers’ salaries for declared regular holidays and special (non-working) days in the year 2024.

Outlined in Labor Advisory No. 27, Series of 2023, issued by Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma on December 12, the directive serves as a reference for employers and employees to ensure the proper disbursement of wages.

This guidance is under Proclamation No. 368, Series of 2023, which identifies the regular holidays and special (non-working) days for the year 2024. The list of regular holidays includes:

New Year’s Day – January 1 (Monday)
Maundy Thursday – March 28
Good Friday – March 29
Araw ng Kagitingan – April 9 (Tuesday)
Labor Day – May 1 (Wednesday)
Independence Day – June 12 (Wednesday)
National Heroes Day – August 26 (Monday)
Bonifacio Day – November 30 (Saturday)
Christmas Day – December 25 (Wednesday)
Rizal Day – December 30 (Monday)

Additionally, the non-working holidays comprise:

Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21 (Wednesday)
All Saints’ Day – November 1 (Friday)
Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary – December 8 (Sunday)
Last day of the year – December 31 (Tuesday)

As per the advisory, employees working on regular holidays are entitled to receive 200 percent of their salary for the first eight hours.

If an employee does not work on a regular holiday, they will receive 100 percent of their wages for that day.

However, this is contingent on the condition that they either worked or took a leave of absence with pay on the day preceding the regular holiday.

(IAmigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to host a nationwide job fair, providing a golden opportunity for job seekers with over 40,000 available positions. The event is scheduled to run from December 1 to 14.

According to DOLE Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez, in-demand positions typically include customer service representatives and production workers.

He emphasized the resurgence in the construction and infrastructure sectors, leading to a high demand for laborers, carpenters, and painters.

“The hospitality sector has also experienced a revival, with a vibrant tourism industry creating numerous opportunities for service crew and dealers, particularly in casinos,” added Benavidez.

Simultaneously, DOLE plans a “mass payout” to beneficiaries of its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

“We will have an extensive payout for TUPAD beneficiaries, providing job opportunities for our fellow citizens who are considered disadvantaged—those without jobs, those who have lost jobs, and those in marginalized sectors. We not only offer them a chance to work but also an opportunity to earn,” explained Benavidez.

He further stated that nearly 30 million in wages would be distributed to approximately 75,000 beneficiaries nationwide.

(ai/mnm)

Ni Liza Soriano

HINIMOK ng mga senador sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) na bawiin ang mga permit sa pagtatrabaho ng mga dayuhang manggagawa sa mga hub ng Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) na kamakailan ay ni-raid ng mga awtoridad at napag-alamang sangkot sa mga ilegal na gawain.

Sa plenary deliberation ng 2024 budget ng DOLE, binuhay ni Senador Joel Villanueva ang isyu ng mga ilegal na pasilidad ng POGO na umano’y may mga sex den at torture chamber.

“This is already there, that’s legally documented, that they can be immediately, all those permits be cancelled, revoked, because they are working in illegal facilities.. Kung hindi natin gagawin iyan, they’ll just move to another illegal facility,” ayon kay Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Sinabi ng sponsor ng budget ng DOLE na si Sen. Loren Legarda na noong Oktubre 31, nasa 42,409 na ang mga employment permit na naibigay sa mga manggagawa ng POGO mula sa kabuuang 60,541 dayuhang manggagawa sa buong bansa.

“I am asking DOLE to review the 42,000 plus permits issued,” ayon kay Legarda.

Binanggit din ni Villanueva na noong 2019, nagkaroon ng panukala para sa inter-agency monitoring mechanism para sa mga manggagawa ng POGO.

(AI/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued an advisory, reminding private-sector employers to release the 13th-month pay of workers not later than December 24, 2023.

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma issued Labor Advisory No. 25 Series of 2023 on November 8. Under the advisory, computation of the mandatory benefit should be under the Philippine Labor Code and Presidential Decree No. 851.

The issuance reiterates that the 13th-month pay “shall be paid to rank-and-file employees in the private sector regardless of their position, designation, or employment status, and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid, provided that they have worked for at least one month during the calendar year.”

Also entitled to the benefit are rank-and-file employees who are paid on a piece-rate basis, fixed, or guaranteed wage plus commission; those with multiple employers; those who resigned; those who were terminated from employment; or those who were on maternity leave and received salary differential.

DOLE also advised the public to call DOLE Hotline 1349 or 0931-066-2573 regarding queries on the 13th month’s pay.

(ai/mnm)

Ni Liza Soriano

NAGPAALALA  ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) nitong Lunes sa mga employer para  sa tamang pasahod sa mga parating na holiday.

Kinakailangang  sundin ang tamang sahod para sa kanilang mga manggagawa na papasok sa trabaho sa mga idineklarang holiday ngayong Oktubre at Nobyembre, ayon sa DOLE.

Sa nilagdaang Labor Advisory No. 24, series of 2023 ni Kalihim Bienvenido E. Laguesma noong ika-12 ng Oktubre, nakasaad ang tamang pagtutuos sa sahod para sa mga idineklarang espesyal (non-working) na araw sa ika-30 ng Oktubre, ika-1 at ika-2 ng Nobyembre, pati na rin sa nalalapit na regular holiday sa ika-27 ng Nobyembre.

Sa Proclamation No. 359, series of 2023, idineklara ang ika-30 ng Oktubre bilang special (non-working) day kaugnay sa eleksiyon ng barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan ngayong taon.

Samantala, idineklara naman ng Proclamation No. 42, Series of 2022, na inamyendahan ng Proclamation No. 90, Series of 2023, ang holiday para sa Nobyembre 2023.

Batay sa advisory, ang sahod ng mga empleyado na magtatrabaho sa special (non-working) day sa ika-30 ng Oktubre, ika-1 at ika-2 ng Nobyembre ay kukuwentahin ayon sa sumusunod:

Kung ang empleyado ay hindi nagtrabaho, ipatutupad ang “no work, no pay”, maliban na lamang kung ang kompanya ay may polisiya o collective bargaining agreement na nagbibigay ng sahod para sa nasabing araw.

Para sa trabahong ginampanan sa nasabing araw, siya ay tatanggap ng karagdagang 30 porsiyento ng kanyang arawang sahod para sa unang walong oras na kanyang trinabaho (arawang sahod x 130%).

Para sa trabahong ginampanan na higit sa walong oras (overtime work), babayaran ang empleyado ng karagdagang 30 porsiyento ng kanyang orasang sahod sa nasabing araw (orasang kita ng arawang sahod x 130% x 130% x bilang ng oras na nag-overtime).

Kung ang empleyado ay nagtrabaho sa special holiday at ito rin ay araw ng kanyang pahinga, babayaran ang empleyado ng karagdagang 50 porsiyento ng kanyang arawang sahod para sa walong oras na kanyang trinabaho (arawang sahod x 150%).

Para sa overtime work sa nasabing special day at ito rin ay araw ng kanyang pahinga, dapat bayaran ang empleyado ng karagdagang 30 porsiyento ng kanyang orasang kita sa nasabing araw (orasang kita ng arawang sahod x 150% x 130% x bilang ng oras na trinabaho)

Nakasaad din sa advisory ang tamang pagtutuos ng sahod para sa mga empleyadong magtatrabaho sa ika-27 ng Nobyembre, isang regular holiday.

Tatanggap ang empleyadong hindi pumasok sa trabaho ng 100 porsiyento ng kanyang arawang sahod, ngunit kinakailangan na siya ay nagtrabaho o naka-leave of absence na may bayad sa araw bago ang regular holiday (arawang sahod x 100%).

Kung ang araw na sinusundan ng regular holiday ay araw na walang pasok sa establisimiyento o nakatakdang araw ng pahinga ng empleyado, nararapat silang bayaran ng holiday pay kung sila ay nagtrabaho o naka-leave of absence na may bayad sa araw na sinusundan ng araw na walang pasok o araw ng pahinga.

Para sa trabahong ginampanan sa regular holiday, babayaran ang empleyado ng 200 porsiyento ng kanyang sahod para sa unang walong oras (arawang sahod x 200%).

Para sa trabaho na higit sa walong oras (overtime), babayaran siya ng karagdagang 30 porsiyento ng kanyang orasang sahod (orasang sahod ng arawang kita x 200% x 130% x bilang ng oras na trinabaho).

Kung ang empleyado ay nagtrabaho sa nasabing regular holiday at ito rin ay araw ng kanyang pahinga, siya ay babayaran ng karagdagang 30 porsiyento ng kanyang arawang kita na 200 porsiyento (arawang kita x 200% x 130%).

Para sa overtime work sa nasabing regular holiday at araw din ng kanyang pahinga, babayaran siya ng karagdagang 30 porsiyento ng kanyang orasang kita sa nasabing araw (orasang kita ng arawang sahod x 200% x 130% x bilang ng oras na trinabaho).

Bukod dito, ang sahod sa trabahong ginampanan sa ika-30 ng  Nobyembre ay batay sa ordinaryong arawang kita.

Para sa papasok sa trabaho, tatanggap sila ng 100% ng kanilang arawang sahod para sa nasabing araw para sa unang walong oras (arawang sahod x 100%).

Ang empleyado na magtatrabaho ng overtime ay babayaran ng karagdagang 25 porsiyento ng kanyang orasang kita sa nasabing araw (orasang kita ng arawang sahod x 125% x bilang ng oras na trinabaho.

(ai/mnm)

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has announced that the “no work, no pay” policy will be enforced on October 30th during the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) holiday.

DOLE issued an advisory reminding employers to ensure proper wage payment for employees who work on this special holiday.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos proclaimed October 9th as a special non-working day, allowing the public to participate in the BSKE.

In cases where an employee does not work on this day, the “no work, no pay” principle will apply unless the company has a favorable policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement for holiday payment.

On the other hand, employees who choose to work during this special holiday will be entitled to an additional 30 percent of their basic wage for the first eight hours worked.

If they work beyond eight hours, they will receive an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate for that day.

Moreover, if the special holiday coincides with an employee’s rest day, they will receive an extra 50 percent of their basic wage for the first eight hours of work.

For any hours worked in excess of eight on a special day that is also a rest day, the employer is required to pay the employee an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate.

(ai/mnm)