The House Committee on Labor and Employment has approved a bill mandating a P200 daily across-the-board wage increase for private sector workers, marking a significant step forward in the push for higher wages.
The measure gained strong momentum following a meeting between Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and labor leaders, underscoring the House’s commitment to fast-track wage reforms while ensuring economic sustainability.
The committee, chaired by Rizal 2nd District Rep. Juan Fidel Felipe Nograles, approved the substitute bill for the “P200 Daily Across-the-Board Wage Increase Act,” consolidating House Bill Nos. 514, 7568, and 7871. The motion was introduced by Cotabato 3rd District Rep. Ma. Alana Samantha Santos.
If enacted, the bill will require all private businesses, regardless of size or industry, to implement the P200 daily wage hike. Speaker Romualdez emphasized the House’s dedication to balancing the needs of workers and businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“This is a crucial step toward inclusive growth and addressing the immediate challenges faced by Filipino families,” Romualdez said.
Deputy Speaker Democrito Raymond Mendoza hailed the committee’s approval as historic, noting it could be the first legislated wage hike since 1989. The bill prohibits employers from offsetting the increase with previous wage adjustments unless specified in collective bargaining agreements. Existing benefits and allowances cannot be reduced as a result of the pay hike.
The measure will now move to the House plenary for further deliberation. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will oversee enforcement, with penalties for non-compliance, including fines and imprisonment.
With broad support from lawmakers and labor groups, the bill marks a significant milestone in ensuring fair wages for Filipino workers, the bill’s proponents said.
