Calls Grow for Marcos to Certify Wage Hike Bill as Urgent
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. faces mounting pressure to certify the wage hike bill as urgent amid soaring prices that burden Filipino workers. Akbayan party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña urged Malacañang on Wednesday to prioritize the wage increase bills refiled in the 20th Congress, saying it is crucial if the administration truly wants to improve workers’ lives.
Cendaña noted that the wage hike proposal during the 19th Congress came close to reaching the President’s desk. However, conflicting versions between the Senate and the House ultimately stalled its passage. Now, with fresh bills filed by various groups, he insists Marcos must certify the wage hike bill as urgent to fast-track its approval.
“Filipinos have been drowning with the high prices of goods and they have been calling for help. During the 19th Congress, there are people from the cabinet who are actively blocking the P200 wage hike — it could have been a lifeline but it turned into stone,” Cendaña said. “If Malacañang wants to make it up to workers, it has to certify the bill as urgent.”
Understanding the Impact of Certifying Wage Hike Bill as Urgent
Under House rules, bills approved on third reading in the previous Congress can be immediately tackled in respective committees. Bills approved only on second reading, however, must wait three session days before third reading deliberations. This procedural requirement delays final approval.
When the President certifies a bill as urgent, these steps can be bypassed, enabling the House to approve the bill on third reading even on the same day. This fast-tracking is vital for the wage hike bill’s swift enactment amid urgent economic needs.
Current Wage Hike Bills in the 20th Congress
At least four party-list groups have refiled wage hike measures. The Makabayan bloc, representing ACT Teachers and Kabataan party-lists, filed House Bill No. 202, which proposes raising the private sector minimum wage to P1,200 daily.
Meanwhile, the TUCP party-list filed House Bill No. 88, seeking a P200 daily increase. Akbayan’s House Bill No. 766 similarly proposes a P200 boost in minimum wages.
Last June, the 19th Congress adjourned without finalizing a wage hike bill. The House had approved House Bill No. 11376, advocating a P200 daily raise for minimum wage earners. The Senate approved Senate Bill No. 2534 earlier, which recommended a P100 daily increase.
The conflicting versions required a bicameral conference committee to reconcile differences and produce a final version for ratification by both chambers before reaching the President.
However, reports indicated a deadlock, as House Labor Committee Chair Juan Fidel Nograles preferred a bicameral conference for transparent discussions. He also refused to simply adopt the Senate’s version.
Recent Wage Board Decision and Reactions
On July 15, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced a P50 increase in minimum wages for workers in the National Capital Region (NCR). The raise will raise daily wages from P645 to P695 for non-agriculture workers, and from P608 to P658 for agricultural workers and small establishments.
This wage hike, effective July 18, is expected to benefit about 1.2 million Metro Manila workers. However, Cendaña criticized the small increase, saying DOLE should not boast about it given the high cost of living.
“While this increase is welcome, it hardly addresses the real needs of workers facing rising prices,” the lawmaker said.
Looking Ahead: The Urgency of Wage Hike Bill Approval
With inflation continuing to strain Filipino households, certifying the wage hike bill as urgent is crucial to provide immediate relief. Quick congressional action could help millions of workers cope with the rising cost of basic goods and services.
Sources noted that only through decisive leadership and prioritization can meaningful wage reforms be enacted to protect the country’s labor force.
For more news and updates on wage hikes and labor issues, visit Filipinokami.com.