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Sunday, February 9, 2025

Solons to PBBM: Certify as urgent wage hike bill

Legislators welcomed the House of Representatives’ imminent passage of a bill proposing a P200 daily wage increase for workers in the private sector.

This came after the bigger chamber passed on second reading House Bill 11376 or the “Wage Hike For Minimum Wage Workers Act” provides that the daily rate of all minimum wage workers in the private sector, regardless of employment status, shall be increased by P200 a day.

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House Deputy Speaker and Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, who sponsored the bill in plenary session, said the proposal for a P200 wage hike “is a national emergency demanding that the President certify as urgent.”

He appealed to fellow legislators with the backing of the President: “We can pass it right now—not months from now. Mr. President, our people cannot wait any longer.”

“My dear colleagues, together, let us make history and secure this victory for every Filipino worker and their family—because today, we are not just the House of the People, we are the House of Workers! ₱200 legislated wage hike, ipasa na! Sahod itaas na, ngayon na,” Mendoza said in his sponsorship speech.

Reps.  Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre of  Tingog Party-list, principal authors of HB 11376, reaffirmed their strong commitment to improving the welfare of Filipino workers while ensuring that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) receive necessary support.

The bill proposes a ₱200 daily wage increase for all minimum wage workers in the private sector, including those under contractual and sub-contractual arrangements, as well as those in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.

However, recognizing the challenges that small businesses may face, the bill retains key exemptions and provides government-backed incentives to help MSMEs adjust to the wage increase.

Acidre stressed that the bill strikes a balance between fair wages and business sustainability.

Acidre also credited Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez for prioritizing the concerns of workers, ensuring that the bill advances swiftly in Congress.

For her part, Rep. Romualdez emphasized Tingog’s commitment to policies that balance the needs of both workers and businesses.

With the bill now moving closer to final approval, Tingog Partylist remains steadfast in advocating policies that uplift Filipino families, strengthen local economies, and support MSMEs in adapting to necessary reforms.

House Assistant Minority Leader and Rep. Arlene Brosas of Gabriela Women’s Party, welcomed the Romualdez-led  House’s move to push for a P200 wage increase as a positive development. She said however this amount still falls short of what Filipino workers truly need to survive amid skyrocketing prices of basic goods and services.

For her part, House Deputy Minority Leader and  Rep. France Castro of ACT Teachers Party-list criticized business groups for opposing the P200 legislated wage increase.

She called on their colleagues in Congress to resist pressure from business groups and expedite the passage of the wage hike bill.

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