Department of Labor and Employment-Region VI (DOLE-6) director, Atty. Johnson Cañete, said private companies will be monitored for compliance with the recent wage order that increased the daily minimum wage.

The increase sets minimum wage rates of P295 for workers in the agriculture sector and P365 for those in the industrial and commercial sector.

Cañete said companies should be compliant as the new wages have already been published, contrasting earlier reports that claimed the order would be effective in August.

Back in May, when the order was passed, General Alliance of Workers Association Secretary-General Wennie Sancho said the wage adjustment is still “far below the mandated living wage” and does not satisfy the needs of workers in the region./WDJ