‘P505 daily minimum wage remains benchmark for Kalinga Wage complaints’ — DOLE

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The P505 daily minimum wage remains the benchmark used by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Kalinga in assessing wage complaints involving covered private-sector workers in the province, according to Senior Labor and Employment Officer Anthony M. Luminang.

Luminang made the clarification as wage and other employment concerns were discussed during the 3rd Provincial Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (PTIPC) meeting attended by DOLE-Cordillera Regional Director Jesus Elpidio B. Atal Jr. during his August 19-20 visit to Kalinga.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Luminang said employment concerns, particularly those involving wages, are among the issues commonly raised during PTIPC discussions.

He said the council also considers other issues that may affect the employment conditions of workers in the province.

P505 wage serves as benchmark

Luminang said DOLE-Kalinga has received workers who raised concerns about allegedly receiving wages below the applicable rate.

He explained that in assessing such complaints, the office checks the minimum wage applicable to the worker's employment and coverage.

For Kalinga, the current minimum wage is P505 per day under Wage Order No. CAR-24, which increased the previous P470 rate by P35 effective December 30, 2025.

The applicable minimum wage serves as the reference in determining whether a covered worker is being paid below the legally prescribed rate.

Luminang said the P505 rate remains the basis of assessment as of this year.

DOLE first checks the complaint

For workers who believe they are being paid below the applicable minimum wage, Luminang said DOLE first examines the circumstances surrounding the complaint.

The office interviews the worker and, when possible, communicates with the employer to establish the facts and determine whether the concern can be resolved between the parties.

He said DOLE does not immediately treat every wage complaint as a formal labor dispute, as the initial approach is to clarify the issue and facilitate a possible settlement.

If the concern requires formal assistance, the worker may file a Request for Assistance (RFA) under DOLE's Single Entry Approach (SEnA).

SEnA provides workers and employers with a speedy, impartial, inexpensive and accessible mechanism for settling labor and employment concerns through conciliation-mediation before they escalate into formal disputes.

Workers, employers given chance to explain

Once an RFA is filed, DOLE contacts the employer and schedules the parties for conciliation.

Both the worker and employer are given an opportunity to explain their respective sides and present information relevant to the complaint.

Through the SEnA process, DOLE facilitates discussions aimed at helping the parties reach an agreement. Cases that remain unresolved may be referred to the appropriate labor dispute mechanism.

PTIPC promotes cooperation

The discussion on wages formed part of the broader employment concerns tackled during the 3rd PTIPC meeting attended by Atal on August 19.

Luminang said Atal emphasized the importance of cooperation among the government, employers and workers in addressing employment concerns and maintaining industrial peace in Kalinga.

The PTIPC serves as a venue for representatives of the three sectors to discuss employment issues, including wages, working conditions and other concerns affecting workers and employers in the province.

For workers covered by the applicable wage order, the P505 daily minimum wage remains the key benchmark in assessing whether their pay meets the legally prescribed minimum.