In response to President Bongbong Marcos’s (PBBM) Labor Day call to review wage orders across various regions, Nagkaisa Labor Coalition, the largest labor coalition in the country, is urging all worker representatives on regional wage boards to advocate for significant wage increases. This initiative is vital for addressing the urgent need for economic relief among the working class and ensuring fair compensation that matches the current cost of living.
While the President did not specifically mention a legislative wage increase in his speech yesterday, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin highlighted last year that such decisions are “typically left to the wisdom of Congress, and are actually the initiative of Congress.” Bersamin also noted that although President Marcos is keen on addressing wage issues, direct intervention might preempt legislative initiatives already underway.
Recent surveys underscore the urgency of this issue. Results from a survey conducted from March 21 to 25 revealed a 1.6-point increase in hunger compared to findings from December 2023, with involuntary hunger reaching its highest in Metro Manila at 19 percent, followed by Balance Luzon at 15.3 percent, Visayas at 15 percent, and Mindanao at 8.7 percent. These findings contrast with the OCTA survey, which reported a decrease in hunger rates during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, highlighting discrepancies in data and underscoring the complexity of the hunger issue in the Philippines.
The Nagkaisa Labor Coalition points out that the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPB) cannot solve the structural problem of discrimination and the perpetuation of low wages in the regions that workers experienced in the past 35 years. Thus, there is a critical need for national action through legislative fiat.
Simultaneously, with the rising rate of hunger nationwide, the coalition is calling on the labor committee of the House of Representatives to approve the proposed legislation to implement a nationwide wage increase of PHP 150 for plenary approval. This legislative measure is essential for a holistic national wage recovery, particularly in the face of rising inflation and the ongoing economic challenges affecting millions of Filipinos.
“The current regional wage structures are insufficient to meet the basic needs of Filipino workers,” said the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition. “While we push for immediate regional adjustments, it is imperative that our legislators act swiftly to pass the PHP 150 wage hike bill. This is not just an increase; it’s a necessary step towards economic recovery and stability for our nation’s workforce.”
