Militant lawmakers renew calls for legislated wage hike

Anakpawis Rep. Fernando Hicap. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Militant lawmakers on Labor Day renewed their calls to legislate a P125 across-the-board wage increase for the country’s workers.

Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares said wages under the Aquino administration remained very low.

“(Workers) have little or no benefits, at all. The non-wage benefits handed out by government are crumbs intended to placate the people’s frustration with the government,” Colmenares said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Anakpawis Rep. Fernando Hicap said laborers should unite to fight for their rights.

“All labor groups and organizations must unite and fight for a national legislated wage increase to replace the regionalized wage settings that have nailed wage levels to the basement floor,” Hicap said.

Both solons endorsed their House Bill 253, which seeks to increase to increase minimum wage by P125 across-the-board.

Hicap said when the lower chamber resumes session on May 5, he would seek the help of the House committee on labor and employment to approve their bill.

Colmenares also urged the passage of House Bill 175 that seeks to increase workers’ pension under the Social Security System to P5,000 from P1,200.

Under the Aquino administration, minimum wage increases in select regions range from P13 to P62 since 2010.

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