House Calls for Immediate Bicameral Conference Committee
The House of Representatives is urging the Senate to promptly convene the Bicameral Conference Committee to reconcile the differing versions of the minimum wage hike bills from both chambers. Rizal 4th district Rep. Fidel Nograles, chair of the House Committee on Labor and Employment, formally appealed to Senator Joel Villanueva, chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, through a letter sent on June 11, the final session day of the 19th Congress.
Nograles warned that failure to act would leave millions of Filipino workers “with nothing—despite months of effort and public expectation.” He emphasized that the House moved swiftly, passing their version on third reading and submitting their conferees early, remaining ready for bicameral discussions.
Differences in Wage Hike Bill Versions
On June 4, the House approved a bill proposing a P200 increase in minimum wage, while the Senate passed a lower P100 increase last year. Both chambers must agree on a unified amount during bicameral hearings, ratify the harmonized measure, and send it to Malacañang for President Marcos’ signature.
Despite the House delegations’ visit to the Senate on June 10 to start consolidation talks, no progress occurred. The Senate only named its conferees late on June 11, further narrowing the time for meaningful bicameral negotiations.
Urgency to Convene Bicameral Conference Committee
“If we fail to deliver today, there is a very real danger that our workers will be left with nothing,” Nograles stressed. He added that the House prefers a transparent, deliberative bicameral process instead of accepting the Senate’s version without discussion or compromise.
He insisted, “That is not how co-equal chambers of Congress are expected to legislate. We cannot and should not be forced into a corner where our only option is to rubber-stamp a version that does not reflect the result of honest dialogue. This bill deserves better. The Filipino people deserve better.”
The House also warned against attempts to bypass the bicameral reconciliation or limit dialogue, calling such moves a disservice to the legislative process and the public they serve.
Ready to Negotiate, Awaiting Senate Action
With both panels now officially formed, the House appeals for the immediate convening of the bicameral conference committee—preferably on the same day—to meet the legislative deadline. The House panel remains ready and willing; only the Senate’s participation is pending.
The 19th Congress is set to adjourn sine die following the plenary session on June 11.
For more news and updates on minimum wage legislation, visit Filipinokami.com.