President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is carefully reviewing the potential economic impact of the proposed daily minimum wage hike, Malacañang said Thursday.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro emphasized the President’s intent to prioritize the welfare of Filipino workers while also considering broader economic effects. “The President’s message is clear: we will examine the economic implications and coordinate with the wage boards, which are congressional creations,” Castro said during a press briefing.
Marcos has acknowledged the demand for higher wages and assured labor leaders that the government is committed to upholding workers’ rights and welfare. He has pledged to listen to all stakeholders as the government studies the proposal.
The House of Representatives recently passed a bill granting a P200 daily wage hike for private sector workers, with 171 votes in favor and none against. This is notably higher than the Senate’s version, which proposed a P100 increase.
Congress must reconcile the two versions of the bill in a bicameral conference committee and ratify the final version by June 13—the last session day—before it can be sent to the President for signing. If not ratified in time, the bill will need to be refiled in the next congressional session