House to hasten ₱200 wage hike legislation

Metro Manila, Philippines - The House of Representatives will hasten the passage of a measure that will push for a ₱200 wage hike to address the workers’ needs amid the soaring prices of basic goods and services.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez said they will balance the interests of both workers and employers, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Hence, they are eyeing wage subsidies and exemptions for MSMEs, which is considered as the backbone of the economy.

“Ang lumalabas na consensus dito sa House of Representatives, pending ongoing public consultation, baka kayang dagdagan ng P200 bawat araw ang minimum wage,” Romualdez said on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

[Translation: The consensus in the House of Representatives, pending ongoing public consultation, maybe we can increase the minimum wage by ₱200.]

“Higher wages mean workers have more disposable income to spend on goods and services, increasing demand across various sectors. Since consumption is a significant driver of economic growth, this increased spending stimulates business activity, generates revenue, and supports job creation. In the Philippines, where consumer spending accounts for a substantial portion of GDP, a wage hike can act as an economic catalyst,” he said.

Romualdez, together with other House representatives, met with labor groups on Tuesday night to discuss the legislated wage hike.

Gabriela Women’s Rep. Arlene Brosas and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, who filed a bill pushing for a ₱750 wage hike across the board, welcomed the move.

"While we welcome this initial step for a P200 wage increase, Gabriela Women's Party will continue to push for a significant wage hike, as Filipino families are struggling to make ends meet. Patuloy naming isusulong ang nakabubuhay na sahod para sa ating mga manggagawa at kanilang mga pamilya," Brosas said.

[Translation: We will continue to push for a livable income for our workers and their families.]

“Kung ibibigay ang P200 wage increase ng isang bagsakan at walang exemptions across the board nationwide ay it is a step at the right direction para makatulong man lang para makaagapay ang ating mga manggagawa sa taas ng mga bilihin,” Castro said.

[Translation: If the ₱200 wage increase will be given in one tranche without exemptions across the board nationwide, it is a step in the right direction to help our workers amid the rising costs of commodities.]

Meanwhile, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma believes the Regional Tripartite Wage Board System is an effective mechanism in pay increases.

In Metro Manila, the minimum wage is ₱645 for non-agriculture workers and ₱608 for those in the sectors of agriculture, service/retail establishments employing up to 15 workers, and manufacturing regularly employing up to 10 workers.

Minimum wage in the provinces are lower.

The last legislated wage increase was in 1989.