Tingog Partylist pushes for ₱200 daily wage hike, safeguarding MSMEs

THE Tingog Partylist has secured the approval of House Bill No. 11376, the “Wage Hike for Minimum Wage Workers Act,” on second reading. The bill proposes a ₱200 daily wage increase for all private sector minimum wage earners, encompassing those in contractual, sub-contractual, agricultural, and non-agricultural roles. However, the party emphasizes a balanced approach that supports both workers and small businesses.

Representatives Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre, principal authors of the bill, highlight built-in safeguards for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Acidre, speaking to IBC 13, clarified that exemptions will apply to businesses registered under the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises Act (Republic Act No. 9178), those with ten employees or fewer, and businesses in disaster-stricken areas (Republic Act No. 6727). These exemptions are in line with existing minimum wage laws.

To further assist MSMEs, the bill mandates the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to provide incentives to facilitate the wage adjustment. Acidre emphasized that this support is crucial to ensure a smooth transition and prevent undue hardship on small businesses.

Addressing inflation concerns, Acidre cited the 1989 legislative wage increase, which saw a nearly 40% rise in daily wages without triggering significant inflation. He noted that the current proposed increase represents only a 25% rise, significantly less than the 1989 increase.

Acidre credited Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez for prioritizing the bill, stating that the Speaker listened to workers’ concerns, particularly in light of recent high self-rated poverty surveys. Romualdez’s support, Acidre believes, will help alleviate poverty through increased wages.

Representative Romualdez underscored Tingog’s commitment to policies that benefit both workers and businesses, aiming for a strong and sustainable economy where all Filipinos can thrive. With the bill progressing towards final approval, Tingog remains dedicated to uplifting Filipino families and supporting MSMEs through necessary economic reforms.