House OKs P200 wage hike bill on 3rd and final reading
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has passed on third and final reading a bill seeking to increase the minimum wage for the private sector—a last-minute attempt to achieve the first legislated wage hike in more than three decades before the 19th Congress ends on June 13.
During Wednesday’s plenary session, the chamber approved on a vote of 171-1-0 House Bill No. 11376, or the Wage Hike for Minimum Wage Workers Act, which proposes a P200 minimum wage increase for private sector workers, whether they are regular employees or not.
Some of the lawmakers who voted yes said the measure fulfilled a long-overdue promise to close the gap between wages and rising costs of living.
READ: Labor groups press P200 wage hike
‘Lifeline for workers’
Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña, who recalled that the last legislated wage hike was in 1989, said Wednesday’s breakthrough was just an “initial step” toward achieving a living wage for Filipinos.
“This is a lifeline for workers who are drowning amid the high prices of goods, petroleum, water, and electricity. This legislative breakthrough sends a strong message that Filipino workers deserve to live a life of comfort and dignity,” he said in a speech.
Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas said it was time to “break the long years of legislative inaction” on wage increases.
“While P200 is still insufficient to achieve living wage, this is still a significant step toward championing wage hikes in this hallowed hall,” she said. “We must see to it that this gets passed until President Marcos Jr. signs it into law.”
Cibac Rep. Eddie Villanueva, one of the bill’s authors, said the measure would have a “spillover effect” on the fight against corruption.
Senate, bicam
“Every Filipino employee’s dignity must be upheld by ensuring that they are given not only what is just but what is humane. This legislated wage hike is a moral step toward fairness in the face of rising prices and stagnant wages,” Villanueva said.
Whether HB 11376 could cross the finish line two weeks before Congress adjourns on June 13 remains to be seen. The bill would still have to hurdle the Senate and the bicameral conference committee.
Cendaña challenged senators to agree with the House version of the minimum wage hike and called on Malacañang to sign the law before the 20th Congress starts, or once it had hurdled the bicameral conference committee.
The bill passed second reading in February but had stalled due to the congressional break for the midterm elections.
The Senate version, which was passed in 2024, proposes a P100 daily wage hike. /cb
