According to Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board-Region VI (RTWPB-6) Director Johnson Cañete, before deliberations can commence on suggested wage hikes, the agency is awaiting additional petitions.

Last Monday, Philippine Agricultural, Commercial, and Industrial Workers Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (PACIWU-TUCP) filed a petition asking for higher wages in the Western Visayas, following the recent implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

The petition for an increase, ranging from P130 to P150 more in wages, was made in light of rising commodity prices.

Cañete said consultations between the labor and management sectors will be made next month.

RTWPB labor representative Wennie Sancho said the RTWPB-6 will determine whether it is sufficient in form and substance, after which public consultations and hearings will follow along with the board deliberations./DGB, WDJ