Labor group Partido Manggagawa denounced the P50 minimum wage increase granted to workers in Metro Manila, describing the adjustment as a drop in the bucket.
“The five P10 coins may be the biggest alms that the NCR (National Capital Region) wage board ever gave workers, but it is still barya (small change),” the labor group leader Rene Magtubo said.
In a statement, the group said the 50 per day minimum wage increase, which brings the new minimum wage to rate P695, is woefully inadequate in addressing the skyrocketing cost of living in Metro Manila.
“With a daily living wage of over P1,200 for a family of five, this increase barely makes a dent in the poverty faced by workers,” he added.
The new minimum wage of P695 translates to a monthly salary of P15,290 (based on 22 working days). However, this is still below the regional poverty threshold of P15,713 as of 2023.
“Given the rising cost of living, the poverty threshold is likely even higher now, making workers in Metro Manila even poorer, the labor group said.
The labor movement recognizes that the current wage system perpetuates cheap wages. That’s why they’re pushing for real change through a legislated wage increase of P200 in the upcoming 20th Congress.
“We urge all workers to unite and join the fight for a legislated wage hike that will genuinely improve our standard of living. Together, we can demand a fair wage that allows us to live with dignity,” Magtubo said.
