Labor groups in Central Visayas are pushing for a P700 wage increase in Class B areas and a P660 increase in Class A areas, according to statements made during a public consultation on Thursday, June 25, 2026. The groups presented their demands to the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board Central Visayas (RTWPB 7), arguing that workers can no longer afford to wait for a wage adjustment amid rising prices of basic goods and services.
Current minimum wage insufficient
The current P540 daily minimum wage in Central Visayas is no longer enough to cover the rising costs of food, transportation, fuel, and other basic necessities, labor leaders said. Jaime Paglinawan, chairman of AMA Sugbo-KMU, expressed frustration with the pace of the board's actions. “Aksyon ang gikinahanglan namo gikan sa RTWPB kay hinay kaayo ang RTWPB, hinay pa sa bao (What we need is action from the RTWPB because the RTWPB is very slow, slower than a turtle),” Paglinawan said. He added that a substantial wage increase would not only benefit workers but also help stimulate economic activity through increased purchasing power.
Consultation process questioned
The consultation, held at the ABC Building in Cebu City, is part of RTWPB-7’s wage-fixing mandate. The board said the activity aimed to gather information on prevailing economic conditions and the sentiments of workers, employers, and other stakeholders before deciding on a possible wage adjustment. However, some participants questioned the effectiveness of the process. Ariel Sarsaba, chairman of Driver Solidarity Philippines Inc., said that workers, including gasoline station pump attendants, have not received wage increases or sufficient benefits. “The data will not help us. Only your action will,” Sarsaba said in Cebuano, adding that workers have long been waiting for government action despite existing wage studies and computations. Sarsaba also questioned the need for consultations if wage adjustments are already based on established formulas and computations.
Wage hike must reflect cost of living
Eli San Fernando of Kamanggagawa Party-list argued that a P100 wage increase would not be enough to address workers’ needs. “Lahat na tumaas, sahod nalang ang wala (Everything is going up except wages),” San Fernando said, adding that wage adjustments should reflect the actual cost of living.
Management responds
Management sector representative Philip Tan acknowledged the frustrations raised by workers but said some concerns were being directed at the wrong institution. “You’re barking at the wrong tree,” Tan said, noting that many of the issues raised involve broader economic and policy concerns beyond the authority of RTWPB 7.
