• The law prescribes a minimum wage required to be observed by the employers.
  • The minimum wage varies per region as it is set by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) 
  •Violations of minimum wage may result in double indemnity and/or criminal liability.
  • The RTWPB may provide for exemptions, including those for Barangay Micro Business Enterprises. Minimum wage earners are exempt from income tax.

A minimum wage is a legal mandate for employers to pay their employees a compensation which should not be less than that prescribed by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in the different regions. Hence, every region will have its own minimum wage as several factors are considered in determining the amount, Such as cost of living allowance, prices of goods and commodities, and so on. Furthe, the same Board prescribes a different minimum wage depending on the industry classification, i.e. non-agricultural, agricultural, retail and service establishments, and manufacturing

References:

1.  https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1965/ra_4180_1965.html#:~:text=Republic%20Act%20No.,4180&text=AN%20ACT%20AMENDING%20REPUBLIC%20ACT,Section%201
2. https://laborlaw.ph/minimum-wage/10875/?amp=1#:~:text=Summary&text=The%20law%20prescribes%20a%20minimum,be%20observed%20by%20the%20employers.&text=Violations%20of%20minimum%20wage%20may,indemnity%20and%2For%20criminal%20liability.&text=The%20RTWPB%20may%20provide%20for,for%20Barangay%20Micro%20Business%20Enterprises

Every year on May 1st, Labor Day.  Protests are held by various labour groups. Their frustrations and demands are boldly written on placards and streamers. Experiencing persecution, such as not paying the minimum wage to devious employers. Including the Korean firm, which has emerged as a new oppressor of Filipino workers, particularly those employed in textile industries. It was also requested that the ENDO (contract termination after five months of service) be terminated. It occurs and exists in fast food restaurants, shopping malls, and department stores.

The Philippines' minimum wage should be increased to ₱90.00 per hour. Filipinos are finding it difficult to meet their wages if they remain at ₱71.25 per hour owing to price increases. It is insufficient for a household of five or more. In the fast food industry, the price of chicken is much higher than the salary of its employees. A chicken in a fast food chain costs ₱82.00, yet the hourly wage of the worker is only ₱71.25. Workers are still restricted and limited since the epidemic is still impacting them; other companies are limiting their worker admittance because their income is not as stable as it was before the pandemic.

According to Malacañang, it is impossible to raise the minimum wage in the private sector in the entire country because it will surely have an implication on inflation. there is also a possibility that while the salary is raised, many will lose their jobs. so, it is necessary to study the wage increase plan carefully.

Many workers hope that the Regional Wage Boards will be reasonable in the decision on the workers' wage increase. Don't let the P20 pay hike from 1989 happen again; that was a severe insult to the workers.