Pacquiao pushes salary standardization for workers

Sen. Manny Pacquiao (FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential candidate and Sen. Manny Pacquiao will push for a review of the 1974 Labor Code and the Wage Rationalization Act for an “across the board” standardized salaries for workers in the private sector.

Pacquiao said that having a “salary standardization scheme” would address the disparity in wages of workers employed in urban centers like Manila and those in rural areas.

In a statement, Pacquiao blamed the imbalance in wage rates for the rapid decline in the quality of life and productivity of those living in Metro Manila, who also have to contend with traffic jams, extreme congestion, and pollution.

“The cost of fuel and other basic commodities in Metro Manila are the same or are even more expensive in other regions, so it does not make sense that salaries should vary depending on one’s place of work,” he said.

If he is elected president in May, he would push for an “across-the-board salary standardization scheme” that will equalize the wages in provinces across the country.

Pacquiao stressed the need for a standard salary for all workers, regardless of the province where they work.

The prevailing minimum wage ranges from P316 to P537 a day, but the senator said this should be reviewed to ensure that the minimum take-home pay is within the monthly minimum threshold for a family of five.

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