Zamboanga wage rates

THE ZAMBOANGA Peninsula Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-9) will conduct a series of consultations for the possible increase in minimum wage rates in light of the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law beginning this year. Department of Labor and Employment Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo, also the chair of RTWPB-9, said the discussions would include statistics on consumer price index and poverty threshold. The consultation will start on Feb. 20 in Zamboanga City, and will continue until March, covering Isabela City in Basilan, Ipil in Zamboanga City, Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur, and Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte. Ms. Domingo said it is very likely that there will be a “wage increase,” but the rates would depend on the consultations as well as data-based assessment. The last wage adjustment in the region took effect on Oct. 1, 2017 based on Wage Order No. RIX-I9 issued Aug. 15, 2016. — Albert F. Arcilla

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