Malacañang clarified on Friday that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is not opposed to a wage increase for workers, countering claims from critics that he favors the wealthy.
Responding to statements from the Kabataan party-list accusing Marcos of “killing” the wage hike bill and siding with the “rich boys club,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro defended the President.
“Is President Marcos a dictator? He’s not,” Castro stated. “Let’s leave the matter to Congress. The President is not against increasing wages since it benefits our workers.”
She added that while Marcos supports the intent of raising wages, due process must be followed.
Recently, the House of Representatives passed a bill granting a ₱200 daily wage increase for private-sector workers—exceeding the ₱100 approved by the Senate. The differences between both chambers’ versions must be resolved in a bicameral committee before reaching the President’s desk. However, with the 19th Congress now adjourned, the measure will need to be refiled in the 20th Congress.
Malacañang previously said Marcos would review the potential economic impact of any proposed wage increase before making a final decision.