Yesterday evening, Romualdes met with the unions to discuss the proposed wage increase. Representatives from Gabriela Women’s Organization, Arlene Brosas, and ACT Teachers, Fr. Castro, advocated for an increase in the wage to 750 ₱, stressing the necessity for further measures to ensure a decent wage level for Filipino workers and their families.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the Regional Tripartite Wage Fixing Committees in establishing a minimum wage for tweaking wage sizes. Currently, in Manila, the minimum wage stands at 645 ₱ for workers in the agricultural sector, while regional rates remain lower, noting that the last set wage increase occurred in 1989.
The Palace representative is keen to adopt a measure to raise wages by 200 ₱, to help workers cope with rising prices for essential goods and services. Speaker of the Palace, Martin Romualdes noted that supporting workers, the Palace also considers the impact on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), offering them potential subsidies and exemptions from obligations.
"While public consultations are ongoing, there is a consensus on raising the minimum wage by 200 ₱," Romualdes stated on January 29. He highlighted that increasing the wage would alleviate the burden, which in turn could stimulate business activity and create jobs, which would be beneficial for the economy.
