ILOILO — Despite rising global tensions and fears of economic fallout from the Middle East crisis, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has not received a single petition for wage increases in Western Visayas, even as authorities brace for potential job losses and workforce disruptions.
DOLE Region 6 regional director Atty. Sixto Rodriguez Jr. said the absence of wage hike petitions comes at a critical time when economic uncertainty is expected to ripple across industries, prompting the agency to shift focus toward worker protection and contingency planning.
“At this moment, we haven’t received any petition for wage increase, but there is already a pending bill in Congress that may fundamentally change how wages are managed at the regional level,” Rodriguez said.
Labor officials warned that while no immediate labor market disruptions have been reported, the region remains vulnerable should the geopolitical crisis escalate further.
“Speaking of possibilities, there might be some reduction of workers, and should there be any termination of work, we can provide them legal assistance,” Rodriguez added.
To cushion potential impacts, DOLE-6 has begun implementing an adjustment measures program designed to assist displaced workers — similar to interventions rolled out during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assistant Regional Director Melisa Navarra said the initiative is intended as a proactive safeguard, although specific guidelines are still being finalized.
“The department is actually implementing this adjustment measures program for displaced workers in times of crisis, just like during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are still no specific guidelines available at this time. Nevertheless, we are confident that the department will take the necessary actions—hopefully to avoid causing displacement of workers due to this crisis,” Navarra said.
She emphasized that, so far, the labor sector in Western Visayas has not shown signs of immediate distress.
“So far, wala pa kami reports nga na-receive,” she added.
Rodriguez also pointed to existing labor safeguards, particularly the “one-year power rule,” which limits wage order adjustments within a year unless triggered by extraordinary circumstances such as significant price surges.
Still, he noted that Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) may intervene if warranted — even without formal petitions.
“We are just waiting for developments. Baka kasi, we act prematurely, and then there might be a national wage increase. That would create complications for employers, especially during a crisis like this,” Rodriguez cautioned.
As Congress deliberates on a bill that could centralize wage-setting authority under the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), DOLE-6 said it remains on alert — balancing restraint with readiness as global uncertainties threaten to impact local livelihoods.
Authorities underscored the need for vigilance and preparedness, stressing that while the region has yet to feel the full impact, the situation could shift rapidly depending on global developments./PN
