Senators slam ‘insufficient’ wage increase for NCR workers

Senators on Tuesday, July 2 criticized the decision of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) to approve a mere ₱35 daily minimum wage increase for workers in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero called the move “grossly inadequate,” arguing that the paltry increase falls significantly short of addressing the real needs of workers amid soaring prices of essential goods and commodities.

“Maliwanag na kulang at malayo na matugunan ang tunay na mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan sa gitna ng mataas na presyo ng bilihin (It is clearly inadequate and it’s impossible to resolve the real needs of our citizens in the midst of inflation),” Escudero said.

Escudero further questioned the basis of the RTWPB’s decision, noting that the board’s calculations do not reflect the true cost of living. 

The Senate has already passed a bill proposing a ₱100 across-the-board wage increase, which should be the minimum increment, he pointed out.

Escudero said a P100 increase might still be insufficient to meet the constitutional mandate of providing a “living wage” rather than just a “minimum wage.”

Former Senate president Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri also echoed the same observation saying the P25 daily minimum wage increase for private sector workers in Metro Manila is grossly insufficient noting that the prices of basic necessities, especially food and rice, continue to become unaffordable to poor families. 

Zubiri, who is also batting for a legislated P100 daily minimum wage increase, also said the wage boards should have approved higher amounts not only in the NCR but all regions as well as basic goods cost almost the same nationwide.

"Nalulungkot po tayo at sadyang napakaliit ng inaprubahan ng ating wage boards para sa umento sa sahod ng ating mga minimum wage earners. Hindi ito tama at hindi ito sapat, period (We are sad that our wage boards approved a very little wage increase for our minimum wage earners. This is not right and this is insufficient)," said Zubiri.

Zubiri is the principal author of the P100 legislated wage hike bill approved in the Senate but remains pending in the House of Representatives. 

“At dapat ang wage increase ay hindi lamang sa NCR, kundi sa lahat ng rehiyon. Kasi halos pareho naman ang presyo ng bilihin kahit saan ka magpunta (the wage increase should not happen in NCR but also in the region. Because the price of goods and commodities is almost the same wherever you go),” he said.

“The struggle to make ends meet is the same for our kababayans across provinces,” he continued.

Sen. Joel Villanueva, who also pushed for a P100 wage hike, acknowledged that the P35 increase is not enough to cover the daily needs of our workers, especially to workers who have families. 

“This is exactly why we have been pushing for the inclusion of living wage as one of the criteria in determining the minimum wage, in line with the mandate of the Constitution,” Villanueva said. 

“Living wage will consider the employees' and their families' nourishment, clothing, shelter and education, and general well-being,” he added.

As the new head of the Senate Committee on Labor and Employment, Villanueva said he will prioritize the passage of Senate Bill No. 2140 once congressional session resumes.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said he hopes the tripartite wage board will still increase the P35. 

But Estrada said he finds the meager increase “not just timely but essential.”

“While this increase is a positive development, we must continue to strive for comprehensive measures that will further protect and uplift the lives of our workers. Ensuring wages keep pace with the cost of living and inflation is fundamental to promoting economic stability and social equity,” Estrada said.

“But for the meantime, this adjustment will provide much-needed relief to our workers and their families, ensuring they have a better chance at maintaining a decent standard of living,” he added.

Estrada also said the government needs to strike a balance between ensuring fair wages to Filipino workers and supporting the growth and sustainability of micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“Providing incentives and support for these businesses will help them adapt to wage increases while continuing to thrive and contribute to economic growth,” he said.