By Jet D. Antolin
SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said that an extra P35 per day in wages for minimum wage increase is not enough amidst soaring prices of goods.
He pointed out the consistent inadequacy of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in providing a sufficient wage increase.
“Why is the wage increase granted by the RTWPB always lacking?! They have yet to get it right since the establishment of the agency… where do they shop for rice? Do they visit supermarkets? Do they go to the market? Please enlighten us, as perhaps prices are exceptionally low there, making the P35 wage increase they provided adequate,” he remarked.
Escudero affirmed the Senate’s commitment to upholding the principle that a slight reduction in businesses’ income, without causing them losses, can greatly benefit and assist the citizens.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri criticized the insufficient and demeaning nature of the wage increase for ordinary workers, especially considering that many impoverished individuals struggle to afford food and rice due to the steep prices.
“This is insufficient and demeaning to the workers!” emphasized Zubiri. Zubiri also advocated for all wage boards to implement a more substantial wage increase not only in the National Capital Region but across all regions of the country.
“We are disheartened by the minimal approved wage hike for our minimum wage earners. This is unjust and inadequate, period,” stated Zubiri, the primary author of the P1000 legislated wage hike bill passed in the Senate but still pending in the House of Representatives.
Furthermore, Zubiri emphasized the necessity for the wage increase to extend beyond the NCR to all regions, as the prices of goods are nearly uniform regardless of location. Senator Jinggoy highlighted the significance of the additional P35 daily wage for workers in the private sector in the NCR.
“With the continuous escalation in prices of essential goods, it becomes increasingly challenging for our struggling compatriots to cover their families’ daily expenses.
The wage increase will be particularly beneficial for minimum wage earners,” Estrada said.
“However, I hope for a further raise in their daily wages as the additional P35 is meager,” he added.
