House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III has ordered the passage of a measure that would establish a single national minimum wage and abolish Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards, in time for Labor Day this year.

This, after Dy met with principal authors of such bills as well as and leaders of major labor groups, including the Federation of Free Workers and other national unions, to align on the reform framework last Feb. 24.

The proposed consolidated measure pulls together several proposals pending before the Committee on Labor and Employment that were authored by House members across party lines.

The broad backing in the lower chamber signals serious momentum behind proposals to overhaul and restructure how workers' wages are set nationwide.

During the meeting, the Speaker thanked labor representatives for coming to the House and sharing their stories and input.

“I fought for higher wages during my time as governor of Isabela,” Dy said. “We owe our workers a fair and unified wage system, and the House will act on this.”

Right after the meeting, Dy directed that the consolidated bill be included in the plenary agenda for discussion next week. He committed for the House to tackle the measure immediately, with the goal of securing its passage by Labor Day, May 1.

Under the proposal, the wage setting authority would shift to the National Wages and Productivity Commission, replacing the current regional boards.

The plan adopts a phased approach, with the initial national minimum wage set no lower than the prevailing rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila. It also provides transition support mechanisms to help affected sectors adjust.

If enacted, the reform would narrow long-standing regional wage gaps and establish a clearer national wage floor for workers across the country.

Plenary debate on the measure is set for next week, Dy said.