By Erika Mae P. Sinaking
PHILIPPINE WAGE REGULATORS opened discussions on the possibility of raising the minimum wage for domestic workers in Metro Manila, which is a step which may increase household expenses in millions of families even if the authorities are fighting weak comcompliance and unequal ability to pay.
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-National Capital Region on Monday held a public discussion on fixing the minimum wage kasambahay (domestic worker), marking the start of discussions that could lead to a decision after January 15, according to the board’s chairmanperson Sarah Buena S. Mirasol.
“We hope that the number of domestic workers will increase, following the adjustment of domestic workers last year,” he said. BusinessWorld.
Ms. Mirasol said the hearing in Pasay City gathered opinions from local governments, labor groups, employer representatives and domestic workers themselves.
Ms. Mirasol said the board considers many factors, including the cost of living, inflation, prevailing wages, and employers’ ability to pay. Unlike the formal sector, domestic employers are mainly workers and not businesses, he added.
Data presented during the hearing revealed that the average salary of domestic workers in Metro Manila is about P9,000 per month, above the current minimum of P7,000. This is set as a last order minimum that goes into effect on Jan. 4, 2025.
“That just shows the wages in NCR,” he said.
The board also sees a shift towards temporary and live-in programs for domestic workers, Ms. Mirasol added.
The board is currently relying on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Labor Force Survey, pending the release of more detailed results from the passenger questionnaire. of sambahays. Results are expected later this year.
Employer representative Federico R. Marquez, Jr. He said any increase in wages for domestic helpers would be felt most by low- and low-income families.
“Those who earn less than P50,000 a month are the ones who will really feel the increase,” he said, noting that “non-elite” families are already paying more than the minimum price.
“For those in the upper class such as families living in different areas, the salary increase is a small thing, in fact the minimum salary of P7,000 means nothing to them. of sambahays. They can easily afford this,” said Mr. Marquez.
“But for workers … who earn less than P50,000 – the increase is huge. These are the households that will really feel the impact of the wage increase kasambahay,” he added.
Mr. Marquez stressed the need to balance affordability with the welfare of workers, warning that steep increases could lead some families to stop hiring domestic help or break the law.
He also expressed concern about the non-compliance of laws, especially the absence of written employment contracts, which is mandatory under the Kasambahay Law (Republic Act No. 10361), also known as the Domestic Workers Act.
The law establishes comprehensive labor rights and protections for domestic workers, including a written contract, minimum wage, humane working conditions, and social security benefits.
Labor groups, on the other hand, are pushing for reasonable adjustments and stricter enforcement.
Ms. Helena Simplina, a project officer of the Federation of Free Workers, said the trial highlighted the non-compliance of the law, citing cases of domestic workers earning less than P2,000 per month.
“There are still employers who do not follow the set terms of salary and registration,” he said, adding that many households are not registered. barangayswhich contributes to data gaps.
Labor representative Angelita D. Señorin said workers are expecting a “good raise,” noting that most domestic workers in Metro Manila are already turning down low-paying jobs.
“No one really accepts P7,000,” he said.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort told us BusinessWorld that cost of living and inflation, which varies by region, are “primary considerations in wage decisions.”
According to the PSA, annual inflation in the NCR reached 2.4% in 2025, down from 2.6% in 2024, driven by rising food prices, although higher housing and utility costs exerted upward pressure.
“(The salary) may look low but many of them live. Free or subsidized rent, food, utilities, among other things, but mostly free,” said Mr. Ricafort.
Benjamin B. Velasco, an assistant professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman School of Labor and Industrial Relations, said domestic workers deserve a salary increase.
“Definitely of sambahays you deserve a raise. It’s been a year since they got a salary increase,” he said BusinessWorld in a Facebook Messenger chat.
Although the law mandates a 10-point criteria to adjust wages, it actually depends on the cost of living and the ability of employers to pay, said Mr. Velasco.
“In the case of kasambahays, their rich, middle-class employers and a small number of high-wage workers where both parents are likely to work so they need domestic help with housework and care,” said Mr. Velasco. of sambahays high salary.”
Mr. Velasco said that given the opportunity to work abroad and the high cost of living, the reservation wage – the standard of sambahays he is willing to work – he has risen.
