The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) voiced its apprehension over the proposed P200 daily minimum wage increase
FFCCCII president Dr. Cecilio Pedro acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by workers but questioned whether the proposed resolution had been adequately discussed.
“I am not against the salary increase, because our workers are really facing hardship. But we worry if the resolution has been discussed enough? How did the figure of P200 come about?” he said.
The proposal, which was passed by the House labor and jobs committee, calls for a nationwide P200 increase in the daily minimum wage for private sector workers.
Some lawmakers urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to list the bill as urgent and to pass it before the House adjourns.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) also warned that the large wage increase could lower efficiency and halt economic growth, particularly affecting MSMEs, which are already struggling with rising labor costs.
The PCCI) cautioned that the wage hike could trigger serious inflationary pressures and impose a heavy burden on MSMEs.
PCCI chairperson Enunina Mangio said decisions regarding minimum wage adjustments should be made by the Regional Wage Boards (RWBs), not the House committee.
She expressed concern over the nationwide uniform increase, highlighting the significant cost-of-living differences across regions.