(POLITIKO) Senator Jinggoy Estrada said it is time to pass the P100 minimum wage increase for workers after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a wage rate review by the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards (RTWPB).
“With no less than the President calling for a prompt review of minimum wage rates in all regions, this already ensures the possibility of a new salary increase for our workers,” Estrada said on Thursday (May 2).
The senator pushed for the passage of the P100 minimum wage increase bill – earlier approved in the Senate and transmitted to the House of Representatives – as the solution to the workers’ stagnant pay amid rising prices of goods.
“Hindi ito magiging balakid kung sakali man na maging ganap na batas ang sinusulong natin na P100 daily minimum wage increase,” Estrada said.
“Sa huli, kung mapapagdesisyunan ng mga Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) na mayroong supervening condition para magpalabas ng panibagong wage order ang ilang rehiyon, malaking kaluwagan ito sa mga kababayan natin na pilit na ipinagkakasya ang kanilang buwanang kita sa lumalaking gastusin ng kanilang pamilya,” he added.
Estrada said he, as chairperson of the Senate labor committee, supports measures to uplift the living conditions of Filipino workers.
“I strongly support taking a proactive approach towards ensuring fair compensation for our workers, especially in light of the rising cost of goods and basic necessities,” Estrada said.
“It is essential to make timely adjustments to the minimum wage to safeguard the economic well-being of our labor force and promote social justice. As a labor advocate, I believe this is a crucial step in supporting our workforce and ensuring that they receive the compensation they deserve,” he added.
Estrada made the call following President Marcos’ directive for the regional wage boards to review the wage rates according to the inflation in their areas.
During his Labor Day message, President Marcos stressed the need for Congress to pass pro-labor laws, but he did not name the bill mandating a P100 wage hike for private sector workers both agricultural and non-agricultural.
Senators have urged Marcos to certify the wage hike as urgent to expedite its passage at the House of Representatives.