If you employ a household helper in Metro Manila, then she may be eligible for a P1,500 additional pay as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to approve the wage increase in the coming days.
According to a report by Inquirer.net, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) recently approved the new minimum wage of P5,000 for domestic workers in the National Capital Region. It will be enforced once the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) approves it.
Secretary Bello said that he had originally wanted a higher increase for kasambahays since it has been two years since the minimum wage was updated.
“I impliedly suggested that it would be good for Metro Manila that we peg the minimum wage at P6,000. If you are able to hire a domestic help, then you can pay P6,000. But, of course, we can’t dictate on our RTWPB,” he told reporters.
Currently, the minimum wage of household workers is at P3,500, according to Republic Act No. 10361, or the Domestic Workers Act. This covers all kasambahay including gardeners, yaya or nannies, cooks, all-around help, and laundrywomen.
