RTWPB-VII resolves applications for wage order exemptions
RTWPB-VII has formally resolved on January 12, 2026 all the applications seeking exemption from Wage Order No. ROVII-26 implementing a daily wage increase of P33 to P47 across the region.
A total of ten (10) applications have been declared duly filed, one of which was a deadline-beater and was filed last December 2, 2025, the last day for the application. Pursuant to NWPC Guidelines No. 3 series of 2020, the board has 45 days to act on the applications, the last application being due for resolution on January 16, 2026. Among the 10 applicants, seven (7) were granted exemption, two (2) were withdrawn and one (1) was denied.
The following are the resolved applications for exemption in Region VII, to wit:
NAME OF ESTABLISHMENT | STATUS (APPROVED, DENIED, WITHDRAWN) |
1. PAULINIAN COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE | Approved |
2. AVH INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES | Approved |
3. FDS KASADYA, CORP. / FDS KASADYA BEACH RESORT | Withdrawn |
4. FDS KASADYA, CORP. / FDS COMPOSTELA PENSION HOUSE | Withdrawn |
5. ALA MERCEDES GOLDEN VILLAGE, CORP. | Approved |
6. BOGO GLASS CENTER, INC. | Approved |
7. BOGO FULLNESS CONSTRUCTION AND SUPPLY, INC. | Approved |
8. JUNMAR MARKETING | Denied |
9. PARADIZZO BEACH RESORT | Approved |
10. HAGNAYA BEACH RESORT AND RESTAURANT | Approved |
Tracking through the courier service has revealed that all the applicants and their employee representatives have already received copies of the resolution. As of this writing, the 10-day period for the parties to file for a Motion for Reconsideration of the board’s decision has already lapsed; hence the board’s decision has become final.
Under NWPC Guidelines No. 3, series of 2020 or known as “Omnibus Rules on Minimum Wage Determination, particularly Section 1, Rule VII thereof, only specific categories of business establishments are eligible to apply for a one-year exemption:
- Retail/Service Establishmentsregularly employ not more than ten (10) workers; and
- Establishments affected by natural calamities and/or human induced disasters.
The RTWPB-VII has emphasized that exemptions are not automatic and require the submission of a verified application and other relevant documentary requirements.
Applications must be filed within 75 days from the publication of the wage order.
According to Atty. Roy L. Buenafe, Chairperson of RTWPB ROVII, “establishments were reminded that those which do not qualify for exemption or fail to apply are mandated to pay the full increase. Failure to comply can result in “Double Indemnity”—where the employer is ordered to pay twice the unpaid benefits pursuant to Republic Act No. 8188, as provided”, he said. (Jess Russel F. Jumalon)