House Passes P200 Minimum Daily Wage Hike Bill
On the evening of June 4, members of the House of Representatives celebrated the passage of a bill raising the minimum daily wage by ₱200. The bill, known as House Bill (HB) No. 11376 or the “Wage Hike for Minimum Wage Workers Act,” received overwhelming approval on its third and final reading. This significant milestone signals a major step forward for Filipino workers.
Several lawmakers expressed their support and joy over the historic move. Among them were Rep. Ramon Jolo Revilla III of Cavite’s 1st district, Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña, CIBAC Party-list Rep. Eddie Villanueva, and Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas. These members of the 19th Congress recognized the bill’s vital role in uplifting the lives of minimum wage earners.
Long-Awaited Recognition of Workers’ Role
Rep. Revilla, the bill’s principal author, called the wage increase a long-overdue acknowledgment of Filipino workers’ contributions to nation-building. “Ang panalo pong ito ay pagkilala sa pagsusumikap at walang sawang sakripisyo ng bawat manggagawang Pilipino na siyang haligi ng ating ekonomiya. Matagal nang inaasam-asam ito ng ating mga kababayan. At nararapat lang po na mabigyan natin sila ng sapat sa sahod na makakatugon sa kanilang pangangailangan,” he said.
He emphasized that Filipino workers have waited for this moment for a long time. Providing a wage that meets their needs is both just and necessary.
Historic Milestone Achieved
Revilla extended his gratitude to House Speaker Martin Romualdez and fellow lawmakers for their support. “Malaki po ang pasasalamat natin kay Speaker Martin Romualdez at sa ating mga kasamahan sa kongreso. Dahil sa kanilang suporta, isang makasaysayang hakbang ang ating naabot para sa mga manggagawang Pilipino lalo na’t ang huling legislated wage hike ay lagpas tatlong dekada na ang nakaraan,” he noted.
This achievement marks the first legislated wage increase in over 30 years. However, Revilla acknowledged that the fight for a fair living wage continues beyond this victory.
A Lifeline Amid Rising Costs
Rep. Cendaña described the bill’s approval as a “resounding and historic triumph for Filipino workers in the halls of Congress, 36 years in the making.” The last legislated wage hike dates back to 1989.
He called the wage increase a lifeline for workers struggling with soaring prices of goods, fuel, water, and electricity. “Salbabida ito ng mga manggagawang nalulunod sa taas ng presyo ng bilihin, petrolyo, tubig, at kuryente,” he said.
Cendaña added that this legislative breakthrough sends a clear message that Filipino workers deserve a life of dignity and comfort.
A Moral and Biblical Duty
Rep. Villanueva also praised the measure, emphasizing that every Filipino worker’s dignity must be respected by ensuring fair and humane wages. “This legislated wage hike is a moral step toward fairness in the face of rising prices and stagnant wages,” he stated.
He further cited a biblical perspective, saying, “This is not just an economic and social measure — it is a Biblical and ethical duty. The Bible reminds us that ‘the worker deserves his wages’ (Luke 10:7). We must act with justice and compassion for the nation’s workforce.”
Comprehensive Coverage and Enforcement
HB No. 11376 covers all minimum wage earners regardless of industry, employment status, or business size. The bill protects existing allowances and benefits, ensuring they remain intact and unaffected by the wage increase.
It also tasks the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) with conducting payroll inspections and enforcing compliance in both unionized and non-unionized workplaces. Penalties for violations include imprisonment and double indemnity for non-compliance.
Significant Step Despite Reservations
Rep. Brosas voted in favor of the bill but expressed reservations, advocating for a higher ₱750 across-the-board wage increase to reach the ₱1,200 living wage target. “Bagama’t kapos ang P200 na umento para abutin ang nakabubuhay na sahod, signipikanteng hakbang na ang pagpasa nito para iusad ang usapin ng sahod sa bulwagang ito. Kailangang ituloy-ituloy ang pagpasa dito hanggang pirmahan ito ng Pangulo,” she said.
She stressed that after 36 years without legislated wage increases, this is the moment to finally break the long-standing legislative inaction.
For more news and updates on minimum wage hikes, visit Filipinokami.com.