Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 602)
The short title of Republic Act No. 602 is the Minimum Wage Law.
Employer includes any person acting directly or indirectly in the interest of an employer in relation to an employee and shall include the Government and government corporations.
Wages include remuneration or earnings payable by an employer to an employee under any contract for work done or services rendered, and include the fair and reasonable value of board, lodging, or other facilities furnished by the employer to the employee.
Four pesos a day on the effective date of the Act.
No, the Act does not apply to farm tenancy or domestic servants.
The Secretary of Labor has the power and duty to appoint a Wage Board upon petition of six or more employees in any industry if an investigation shows wages are insufficient to maintain health and well-being.
A Wage Board consists of a chairman representing the public, two representatives of employees, and two representatives of employers in the industry.
No, the Secretary of Labor can only approve or reject the recommendations but cannot modify them.
The penalties include a fine of not more than two thousand pesos, or on second conviction, imprisonment of not more than one year, or both.
Any action must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrued, otherwise it is barred forever.
It is unlawful for any person to discharge or discriminate against an employee for filing complaints or participating in proceedings related to enforcement of this Act.
Wages shall be paid not less often than once every two weeks or twice a month at intervals not exceeding sixteen days.
No, wages must be paid in legal tender of the Philippines except as prescribed by regulations such as payment by bank check under special circumstances.
Deductions from wages are prohibited except under legal authority or if authorized by the Secretary of Labor for reimbursement of loss or damage to employer's property, subject to certain conditions.
The Secretary can bring an action in any competent court to recover unpaid wages with legal interest, and recovered sums are paid directly to affected employees.