HOUSE Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III has ordered the fast tracking of a sweeping overhaul of the country’s wage system, consolidating key bills that would establish a single national minimum wage and abolish the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards.
The consolidated measure pulls together several proposals pending before the Committee on Labor and Employment, authored by lawmakers across party lines. The broad backing signals serious momentum behind restructuring how wages are set nationwide.
On February 24, Dy convened principal authors and leaders of major labor groups, including the Federation of Free Workers and other national unions, to align on the reform framework. During the meeting, the Speaker thanked labor representatives for coming to the House and sharing their stories.
“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 left his office and 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.
Under the proposal, 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. 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.
With plenary debate set for next week and a Labor Day target in sight, Dy has sent a clear signal: wage reform is moving and the House intends to deliver.
