LEGAZPI CITY – Because of the rising cost of living triggered by the increase in petroleum prices, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) is studying the possibility of issuing a new order this year.

        Regional Director Alex Maraan of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and chairman of the RTWPB, made this statement during a press conference held Tuesday at the TESDA regional office in Rawis, Legazpi City.

        Maraan revealed that the tripartite wage body is planning to study first before calling for a public hearing on the wage hike issue.

        “So far there is no petition yet for a wage hike but moto propio we can call for a public hearing to determine if there is a necessity to increase the minimum wage,” Maraan said.

        Rosendo Belo, RTWPB secretary, said the board had issued last year Wage Order No. 10 effective June 24, 2005 increasing the daily wage by P15. For commercial workers in the Cities of Naga and Legazpi, the daily minimum wage is now P209.

        He disclosed that the RTWPB is composed of the regional directors of the DOLE, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), representing the government; Jose Dizon and Vic Ludovico for labor and Antonio Concepcion and Marcelo Tan for the management sector.

        Congress enacted RA 6757 creating the RTWPB as a quasijudicial body to fix wages in every region, Belo said.

        Asked if it is still possible for Congress to pass the P125 legislated wage hike demanded by progressive labor, Belo said in the affirmative but added it is unlikely since the wage boards are still functioning.

        In granting the wage hike, the RTWPB considers the consumer price index, the increase in petroleum prices and the hike in transportation costs, among others.

        He said that for wages above the minimum, it is done through collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

        Aside from Director Maraan and RTWPB secretary Belo, the other panelists include Director Fortunato Bosangit of the Technical Education and Skills Authority (TESDA), Benito Bermillo, satellite officer of the Philippine Overseas Employment Admnistration (POEA) and Miah Musa Nate of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).