House expedites deliberations on proposed workers’ P200 daily wage hike
![The House of Representatives is fast-tracking its deliberations on the proposed measure seeking a P200 daily wage hike, according to Speaker Martin Romualdez.](https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/files/2024/11/876994.jpeg)
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / FILE PHOTO
ANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives is fast-tracking its deliberations on the proposed measure seeking a P200 daily wage hike, according to Speaker Martin Romualdez.
In a statement on Wednesday, Romualdez highlighted the need for a wage adjustment, pointing out that the “last legislated wage increase was enacted more than three decades ago under the Wage Rationalization Act of 1989.”
He explained that the measure was able to raise wages “without causing massive inflation or widespread business closures.”
READ: DOLE not against passage of wage hike law
“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,” Romualdez noted.
Article continues after this advertisement“The emerging consensus in the House of Representatives, pending ongoing public consultation, might be to increase the minimum wage by P200 per day,” he added partly in Filipino.
Article continues after this advertisementThe lawmaker said the proposed hike with help boost household spending and stimulate local economies, among others.
“Higher wages mean workers have more disposable income to spend on goods and services, increasing demand across various sectors. Since consumption is a significant driver of economic growth, this increased spending stimulates business activity, generates revenue, and supports job creation. In the Philippines, where consumer spending accounts for a substantial portion of GDP, a wage hike can act as an economic catalyst,” he explained.
“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,” Romualdez added.
Before this, Romualdez met with labor leaders and representatives on Tuesday night to gather their input, supporting the appeal for a legislated wage hike.
Other lawmakers with Romualdez were TUCP Partylist Rep. Democrito Raymond Mendoza and Tingog Partylist Rep. Jude Acidre.
Below is the list of leaders and representatives with Romualdez during the meeting:
- Michael Mendoza – President, ALU (Associated Labor Unions)
- Gerard Seno, President-APSOTEU (Associated Professional, Supervisory, Office and Technical Employees Union)
- Cecilio Seno, Jr.- President, ALU – Metal
- Atty. Allan Montano, Vice President- FFW (Federation of Free Workers)
- Josua Mata, Secretary General-SENTRO (Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa)
- Luis Corral-TUCP (Trade Union Congress of the Philippines) VP for national and international affairs
- Arturo Basea- President, FUR (Federations of Unions of Rizal)
- Temistocles Dejon, Jr. – President, AWATU (All Workers Alliance Trade Union)
- Alvin Fidelson – President, KKKP (Kapisanan ng mga Kawani sa Koreo sa Pilipinas)
- Roland dela Cruz -President, NACUSIP (National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry of the Philippines)
- Arthur Juego -President, KILUSAN (Pambansang Kilusan ng Paggawa)
- Atty. Arnel Dolendo – President, PTGWO (Philippine Trade and General Workers Organization) and TUCP Secretary General
- Shirley Yorong- Assistant Secretary General, TUCP