Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday welcomed the PHP85 daily minimum wage increase for workers in the National Capital Region, calling it a “good start” but stressing the need for broader reforms to the wage-setting system.
In a statement, Hontiveros said the increase would provide relief to Metro Manila workers but said piecemeal adjustments are insufficient to address the long-term challenges facing workers, industries and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“Magandang simula ang PHP85 daily minimum wage hike para sa mga manggagawa sa Metro Manila. Pero ‘di sapat ang piecemeal na reporma para sa malaking hamon na hinaharap ng mga industriya at manggagawa (The PHP85 daily minimum wage hike is a good start for workers in Metro Manila. But piecemeal reform is not enough for the major challenges facing industries and workers),” she said.
Hontiveros said wage policies should improve workers’ living standards while enabling MSMEs to grow, innovate and remain productive, particularly outside the NCR.
She renewed her call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 210, or the proposed Fair Wages and Productivity Bill, which seeks to establish a two-track system: a catch-up wage increase for workers in larger, better-capitalized businesses and a support mechanism for MSMEs.
The measure would allow small businesses to receive temporary exemptions from mandated wage increases while streamlining procedures for registration, tax incentives and minimum wage exemptions, she said.
The bill also proposes revising the composition of regional wage boards by making the Department of Labor and Employment the sole voting representative of national government agencies and adding two provincial governors in each region as voting members.
Hontiveros said the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, local government officials and Regional Development Councils should strengthen support programs for small enterprises.
She said the proposal would retain the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards while placing greater emphasis on productivity to help sustain rising incomes.
“Malaki ang mga reporma na iyan, para umunlad ang kabuhayan sa bawat bahagi ng bansa, hindi lamang mga urban areas gaya ng Metro Manila (These are major reforms to improve livelihoods in every part of the country, not only in urban areas like Metro Manila),” she said.
Hontiveros also urged the 20th Congress to prioritize the Fair Wages and Productivity Bill when it opens its second regular session. (PNA)