The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Central Luzon motu propio issued Wage Order No. RBIII-DW-04 on 04 March 2024 increasing the monthly minimum wage rate of kasambahays by P1,000 in Chartered Cities and First Class Municipalities and P1,500 in Other Municipalities. The increase would bring the monthly minimum wage in the region to P6,000.

In accordance with existing laws and procedures, the wage order was submitted to the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) for review and was affirmed on 12 March 2024. The wage order will be published on 16 March 2024 and shall take effect after 15 days from its publication, or on 01 April 2024.

The increase considered the results of the survey conducted and public hearing held, as well as the needs of domestic workers and their families, the employer’s capacity to pay and the existing socio-economic conditions in the region. The Board, comprised of representatives from the government, management and labor sectors, conducted the regional public hearing on 25 February 2024 in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

The wage increase for kasambahays is expected to benefit a total of 126,762 domestic workers – approximately 9% (11,595) of whom are on live-in arrangement.

RTWPB III shall undertake information campaigns to ensure compliance with the new wage order. For further clarifications on the matter, the Board may also be reached through its email address rb3@produktiboatsahod.onmicrosoft.com.

The last wage order for domestic workers in the region was issued on 30 May 2022 and became effective on 20 June 2022.