All petitions for wage hike exemption resolved

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-7 has resolved the remaining petitions for wage hike exemption filed by three business establishments in the region.

It may be recalled that the period to apply for exemption from Wage Order No. ROVII-24 expired last November 29, 2023 with only five applications for exemption duly filed.

All applications received were filed on the ground that the applicant establishments have less than 10 employees.

In 2023, the RTWPB-7 board members during their last meeting for the year already denied the two applications due to non- compliance with the previous wage order and non-compliance with the requisite that they have less than 10 employees.

While the three other applications filed by Big Brain

Food Hub and YuChin Milktea were approved, and the Dumaguete Seafront Hotel’s application was conditionally approved subject to their presentation of proof that they duly complied with the labor inspector’s findings of nonpayment of holiday pay.

RTWPB-7 said that the said hotel is given 15 days from receipt of the order to submit proof of correction, failure to comply shall cause the automatic revocation of the exemption.

The wage board issued Wage Order No. ROVII-24 granting P33 increase to the minimum wage in the Region 7. The said Wage Order took effect on October 1, 2023.

Pursuant to the rules, the period for filing for application for exemption opened after the Wage Order was published last September 15, 2023 and up to 75 days thereafter or on November 29, 2023.

The grounds for exemption include: That the establishment has less than ten (10) workers; and the establishments has been affected by any natural calamities or human-induced disasters.

It added that establishments whose applications are granted shall be exempted from compliance with Wage Order No. ROVII-24 within one (1) year from the effectivity of the Wage Order.

For establishments whose applications for exemption was denied, they shall pay their workers the mandated wage increase from the date of effectivity of the Wage Order plus interest of one percent (1%) per month retroactive to the effectivity of the Wage Order. -