PIA-NCR file photo

CALOOCAN CITY, (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has clarified that businesses that are struggling and have experienced significant financial loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for wage hike exemption. 

This is after the wage board approved P33 in addition to the minimum wage in the National Capital Region and P55 in Western Visayas. 

According to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, businesses with no more than 10 employees and businesses affected by natural or man-made calamities, such as pandemics, can submit applications to the regional offices of the wage board. 

Bello said the government understands the pandemic's impact on businesses. 

The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) has previously announced that they are open to applying for exemption from the minimum wage increase. (PIA-NCR)