THE REGIONAL Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-Western Visayas (RTWPB-6) is aiming to decide by June on the P130-P150 minimum daily wage hike petition as it evaluates several position papers submitted by various management and business groups as well as the results of four public hearings. “We are summarizing everything. Hopefully, we could finish it by June,” lawyer Ma. Ailyne P. Valaquio, RTWPB-6 secretary said. The wage increase petition was filed by the Philippine Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Workers Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines last January. Three position papers came from Bacolod, two each from Kalibo and Capiz, and a joint manifesto from business groups in Iloilo and Antique. During the hearings, majority of the management representatives opposed the salary increase. Mr. Valaquio noted that the highest wage adjustment approved by the board in the past was the P25 hike that took effect on March 16, 2017. “There is no legal requirement to file a decision immediately, because it will depend on the regional indicators. And the position papers of labor groups, as well as the stand of the employers, are being considered,” Ms. Valaquio said. — Louine Hope U. Conserva

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