A labor coalition has challenged the cautious stand of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) on the proposed P100 wage increase as it urged lawmakers to prioritize the welfare of laborers.

Nagkaisa, the broadest coalition of labor groups in the Philippines, said the welfare of the Filipino workers is acknowledged at the 1987 Constitution ocial justice and fair wages and demanded that the government honor it. 

Nagkaisa Spokesperson Rene Magtubo said they remain confident that theor appeal for decent and livable daily wage would be granted.

“Kami sa Nagkaisa Labor Coalition ay kailangang maghintay para sa isang mas kooperatiba na koalisyon sa aming mga parliamentarians dahil sa mas malaking kahilingan ng Kamara na itaas ang suweldo kumpara sa awtorisadong P100 ng Senado (We in the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition had to wait for a more cooperative coalition among our parliamentarians in light of the House's larger pay raise request compared to the Senate's authorized P100),” said Magtubo.

“The Congress's readiness to modify salaries through law is something we are glad to see,” he added.

The labor group said that the pay increase will enable employees to better afford the skyrocketing costs of necessities.

Average living wage vs. Inflation

Despite NEDA's concerns about potential inflationary pressures and economic growth implications, the labor alliance insisted on a wage increase in accordance with the constitution's requirement for a living wage.

Nagkaisa raised significant issues concerning NEDA's push for charter change (Cha-Cha) as a means of increasing competitive edge by eliminating considered “superfluous limitations.”

"This position disregards the pressing needs of Filipino laborers and reduces the need to tackle the current economic inequality," Nagkaisa stated, emphasizing that "the diversion created by the continuous discussion about a new charter emphasizes the necessity of taking concrete steps to lessen the difficulties encountered by the workforce." said Magtubo.

ECOP, PCCI

Nagkaisa voiced dismay over NEDA's persistent opposition to wage-raising plans, citing alignment with employer groups such as the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

This disparity poses questions about the prioritizing of policies with potential long-term consequences over immediate measures like wage hikes, which immediately affect the quality of life for millions of Filipinos.

Nagkaisa emphasized the viability of substantial salary hikes with economic growth and stability, citing the effective P25 salary rise in 1989 and its good economic implications.

The labor group further stressed the need for fair wage adjustments in every region, stating that while the Senate-approved P100 raise is a positive step, it still falls short of providing Filipino families with a living income.