Report Senate Divided Over House-Approved ₱200 Daily Minimum Wage Increase

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In a significant step, the House of Representatives has passed a bill on its third and final reading, proposing a ₱200 daily minimum wage increase. The move has sparked a mixed response from the Senate, where an earlier version suggested a ₱100 hike instead. As the legislative process continues, all eyes are on how senators will reconcile these differences to improve the livelihoods of Filipino workers.

 

Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri has greeted the House's decision with optimism, hailing the proposal as a critical lifeline for the country's labour force. Zubiri highlighted the necessity of this wage increase, pointing out the financial struggles faced by many workers. "I always err on the side of the workers," Zubiri asserted. "Our labour force needs more than just cash aid; they need financial uplift because they earn it through hard work. This wage law will provide much-needed support for them and their families."

 

However, not all senators are ready to adopt the House version without further scrutiny. Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito acknowledged the urgency but stressed the importance of supporting the business sector alongside labour interests. He pointed out that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) might struggle with the sharp wage increase. "Whatever we can give to the labourers, let’s give," Ejercito said. "But we have to ensure that businesses can survive. It’s important not to kill the goose that lays the golden egg."

 

Ejercito proposed a potential compromise: a ₱150 increase, pending a thorough review. He noted that the House bill, passed just a day prior, had not yet undergone detailed Senate discussion. "A ₱150 compromise could be possible, but we need data to make an informed decision," he explained.

 

Adding another dimension, Senator Joel Villanueva, who chairs the Senate Committee on Labour and Employment, urged caution. He reminded the public that the Senate's ₱100 wage proposal is rooted in extensive consultations and hearings with both labour representatives and businesses. "We believe ₱100 is practical and manageable," Villanueva stated. "The ₱200 proposal is appealing, but it could be too burdensome for businesses. That’s ₱6,000 more per month per employee."

 

Villanueva expressed his openness to the House's proposal but warned of potential political risks. He speculated that some might be aiming for a presidential veto. "If we adopt the ₱200, and the Palace finds it unsustainable, it could put the President in a difficult political position," he noted.

 

All three senators agree that the logical next step is a bicameral conference committee to discuss and harmonize the bill. Villanueva emphasised that sufficient time remains to negotiate a final version before Congress adjourns. "What’s clear is that our workers need a raise. The only question now is how much and how fast we can implement it without harming the economy," he concluded.

 

In contrast, Malacañang remains reserved, with President Marcos yet to endorse or commit to signing the ₱200 wage hike proposal. The President awaits the outcome of bicameral deliberations and a comprehensive review of its economic implications, as the nation's balance between workers' welfare and business sustainability lies in delicate equilibrium.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-06-05