Senate Blocks P200 Wage Hike: House Voices Frustration
House of Representatives Spokesperson Princess Abante accused the Senate of effectively killing the measure calling for a P200 increase for minimum wage earners. “Let’s not sugarcoat it — the Senate killed the ₱200 wage hike bill,” said Abante, a lawyer.
Abante emphasized that the Senate refused to hold a Bicameral Conference Committee hearing to reconcile the differing versions of the wage hike bills. The House pushed for a P200 increase, which is double the Senate’s proposal of ₱100.
“[Wednesday] night marked the final session of the 19th Congress. No bicam. No compromise. No wage hike. And the reason is simple: ‘Ayaw ng Senado makipag-usap. Gusto nila, tanggapin na lang nang buo ang ₱100 nila. Bakit? Bakit binabarya ng Senado ang mga manggagawa?’” she said.
Failure to Negotiate Leaves Workers Behind
In bicameral hearings, representatives from both chambers meet to reconcile different bill versions. Abante shared that House members were ready to defend the P200 proposal and fight for labor rights. However, the Senate’s refusal to engage left them stunned and frustrated.
“They were ready to sit down, defend the ₱200 proposal, and fight for labor — only to find out the Senate had no intention of meeting at all,” Abante explained.
The House had already approved its version on the third reading and submitted its bicameral panel days before the 19th Congress adjourned sine die on June 11. Meanwhile, the Senate only appointed its conferees on the eve of adjournment and declined to enter bicam talks, insisting the House accept the watered-down ₱100 version without discussion.
“We were prepared to deliberate. We came in good faith. But what the Senate gave us was a take-it-or-leave-it ultimatum. Wala silang balak makipag-usap. Gusto nila, sunod lang kami. That’s not how democracy works. That’s not how we serve the people,” Abante said.
House Maintains Responsible Proposal
Abante stressed the House’s P200 wage hike bill was carefully designed to include exemptions and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This approach balanced labor welfare with economic responsibility.
“This was not a reckless proposal. It was a responsible, well-considered measure. But instead of dialogue, ang ibinalik sa amin ay tahimik na pagtanggi at pagmamadali,” she added.
She urged the public to understand that the failure of the wage hike was not due to lack of effort from the House but stemmed from the Senate’s unwillingness to negotiate.
“The people deserve accountability. Hindi ito pagkukulang ng Kamara. Ginawa namin ang trabaho namin. Pero ang Senado, iniwan sa ere ang manggagawa,” Abante concluded.
For more news and updates on wage hike legislation, visit Filipinokami.com.