Following the issuance of Wage Order No. 28, granting a P60 wage hike for the minimum wage earners in Metro Manila, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) released an advisory regarding Wage Increase Exemption.

According to DOLE, small businesses may apply for a wage increase exemption if they meet the qualifications.

Business that are eligible to apply for exemption are those retail/service establishments with not more than 10 workers. Establishments may apply for those that are adversely affected by natural calamities or human-induced disasters. 

The eligible businesses may apply 75 days within the effectivity date of the wage order, and may submit necessary documents to the respective regional offices.

Meanwhile, Kamanggagawa Party-list Rep. Eli San Fernando appeals for the retroactive pay stemming from Wage Order No. 27.

“Ang hinahabol natin, yung retroactive pay mula pa noong July 25,” he said

“Ibig sabihin niyan – pumapatak parang metro ng taxi – mayroong utang sa manggagawa ng tatlong libong piso, mahigit,” he added

Based on the calculations released by the Kamanggagawa Party-list, the retroactive pay due to workers ranges from P2,700 to P3,240.