Minimum Wage Rates Established
- The minimum daily wage is set at no less than 120% of the previous basic minimum wages as per Bureau of Public Works records.
- Specifically, the minimum daily wage must not be less than ₱1.25 in the City of Manila.
- For different provinces and chartered cities, the minimum daily wage is not less than ₱1.00.
- These wage rates become effective on August 19, 1937.
Responsibilities of Government Officials
- The Secretaries of Public Works and Communications and Labor are tasked to prepare an official schedule of minimum daily wages consistent with this order.
Provisions for Laborers in Isolated or Unsettled Areas
- Laborers working in isolated or unsettled districts are entitled to government-provided usual rations.
- Alternatively, these laborers may receive an additional wage of up to fifteen centavos per day in lieu of rations.
- The government may also provide quinine and other first aid medicines at the government’s expense, charged to relevant projects.
Legal Authority and Implementation
- The order is issued under the presidential powers vested by law.
- Signed by President Manuel L. Quezon and Secretary of the Interior Elpidio Quirino on August 16, 1937, in Manila.
Key Legal Concepts
- Emphasizes equitable wage standards considering living conditions.
- Establishes clear minimum wage floors distinguishable by geographic location.
- Introduces provisions for welfare in challenging work environments through rations or allowance.
- Delegates wage schedule administration to designated government officials.
- Reflects executive action to update labor standards within the national government sector.