MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Martin Romualdez committed on Wednesday to accelerating discussions on a bill aimed at increasing the daily minimum wage, emphasizing the need for a balance that considers both workers’ welfare and employers’ interests.
Romualdez made the statement after meeting with labor leaders at the House of Representatives on Tuesday night, alongside Deputy Speaker Democrito Raymond Mendoza and Assistant Majority Leader Jude Acidre, to gather feedback on the call for a legislated wage hike.
The Leyte congressman revealed that the House was considering a P200 increase in the legislated daily wage, aiming to provide economic relief for workers while ensuring the sustainability of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“This is a critical step toward achieving inclusive growth and addressing the immediate challenges faced by Filipino families,” Romualdez said.
He highlighted the urgency of implementing a substantial wage adjustment, citing the ongoing rise in prices for basic goods and services.
In December, inflation accelerated to 2.9 percent, up from 2.5 percent in November, largely driven by higher costs for housing and energy, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority earlier this month.
Romualdez pointed out that the last legislated wage increase occurred over 30 years ago under the Wage Rationalization Act of 1989.
“If we were able to do this in the past, there is no reason why we cannot do it now, especially with careful planning and collaboration with all sectors,” he stated.
Romualdez also noted that, based on ongoing public consultations, the consensus in the House is that a P200 daily wage increase could be feasible.
Additionally, he emphasized the economic benefits of a wage hike, such as increased household spending, stimulation of local economies, and long-term growth.
He explained that, in the Philippines, where consumer spending contributes significantly to the country’s GDP, “a wage hike can act as an economic catalyst.”
“A well-designed wage hike is not just an immediate solution to help workers cope with inflation, it is an investment in our collective future,” he added.
The Makabayan bloc lawmakers welcomed Romualdez’s statement as “a step in the right direction,” although they maintained that a P200 increase was insufficient compared to their proposed measure for a P750 across-the-board salary hike in the private sector to provide workers with a family living wage.
“We welcome any step towards increasing workers’ wages, as this positive development stems from our workers’ persistent demands for a legislated wage increase,” said Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas.
