Labour Secretary of the Philippines Silvestre Bello III has ordered the review of minimum wage across the country as oil prices continue to increase amid ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, reports Inquirer. All Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards have been directed to submit their recommendations by April. Bello said, “The skyrocketing prices of oil products caused by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine may be a compelling ground for the wage boards to recommend adjustments in the minimum wages of workers.” Oil price hikes are seen to cause increases in the costs of basic commodities and weaken purchasing power.

“Setting and adjusting the wage level is one of the most challenging parts of minimum wage fixing,” Bello said. “Minimum wage cannot be very low as it will have very small effect in protecting workers and their families against poverty.  If set too high, it will have an adverse employment effect.  There should be a balance between two sets of considerations.”