The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Iloilo Chapter has voiced opposition to an across-the-board or uniform wage increase for all private sector employees in Western Visayas.
PCCI-Iloilo Chapter president Jerduen “Noi” Dongor said a blanket pay hike could reward underperforming workers at the expense of productive staff.
He also stressed the risk of wage distortion, noting that raising minimum wages narrows the income gap with non-minimum-wage senior employees, putting pressure on firms to adjust top-tier salaries accordingly.
Additionally, Dongor said mandatory employer contributions to agencies like the Social Security System (SSS) would also escalate alongside pay hikes.
“Our request is to set aside the mandated wage increase and leave the decision to employers on how to compensate, subsidize, and cushion the economic impact on our workers. That would ease our burden.”
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-6) recently approved a P40 to P45 daily minimum wage hike for the region.
The decision, however, remains subject to final review by the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC).IMT
