NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Public hearings set for review on minimum wage for private workers and domestic workers in Central Visayas
The RTWPB-VII is set to conduct public hearings to determine minimum wage rates for private sector workers and domestic workers or kasambahay in Central Visayas.
In a Notice of Public Hearing issued by DOLE Regional Director and RTWPB-VII Chairperson Roy L. Buenafe, published at Freeman on August 3, 2025, a series of hearings will be held across the region on the following dates:
DATE | TIME | VENUE |
August 19, 2025 | 1:00 P.M | Pavilion Hall, DEPED Ecotech Center, Sudlon Lahug, Cebu City |
August 28, 2025 | 8:00 A.M | Joshua 1, Bethel Guest House, Rizal Blvd., Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental |
August 29, 2025 | 8:00 A.M | Ruby Hall, The MetroCentre Hotel and Convention Center, C.P.G. Ave., Tagbilaran City, Bohol |
August 31, 2025 (for kasambahay) | 1:00 P.M | Continental Hall, Anjo World Convention Center, Upper Calajoan, Minglanilla, Cebu |
Rule III, Section 3 of NWPC Guidelines No. 3 Series of 2020 (The Omnibus Rules on Minimum Wage Determination) authorizes the conduct of public hearings as early as 60 days prior to the anniversary date of the current wage order. The existing wage order, Wage Order ROVII-25, took effect on October 2, 2024. Thus, August 3, 2025 marks the beginning of the said 60-day period when a public hearing may be conducted.
Meanwhile, the current minimum wage for kasambahay in Central Visayas is six thousand pesos (P6,000) for those in chartered cities and first-class municipalities, and five thousand pesos (P5,000) for those in other municipalities pursuant to the current Wage Order No. ROVII-D.W. 04. This order reached its one-year anniversary on May 11, 2025, and is now due for reconsideration.
The initiative is part of the Board’s mandate to periodically assess and determine minimum wage rates, ensuring fair and reasonable compensation in consonance with the protection of undue low wages to workers while considering socio-economic factors.
Moreover, the RTWPB-VII has consistently emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue, inviting representatives from various sectors, including labor groups, business associations, and government officials, to participate and present their respective positions.
The outcome of this public hearing will play a vital role in the RTWPB-VII’s determination process before a new wage order is issued. Any new wage order, once confirmed by the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), will take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the region.
The hearings are open to all interested parties. Pre-registration is highly encouraged through this link: https://bit.ly/2025R7PublicHearing.
Parties who intend to participate in the aforementioned hearings may coordinate with RTPWB-VII and may submit position papers at RTWPB-VII, 6th Flr., DOLE Bldg., Gorordo corner Gen. Maxilom Ave., Cebu City, or through email at rb7@www.aliflora.vip from August 03, 2025 to September 01, 2025.