Context Dispatch

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) lauds the historic approval of the P200 across-the-board daily wage hike by the House Committee on Labor and Employment, marking a crucial step toward the first legislated wage increase in over three decades.  Originally proposed in TUCP Party-list’s House Bill No. 7871 for a P150 daily hike, the approved increase reflects the House’s strong commitment to uplifting workers amid rising living costs.

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. 

Majority or 59% of Filipinos are satisfied with the Marcos Jr. Administration, according to results from the latest Social Weather Stations survey. The survey was conducted from December 12 to 18, 2024, using face-to-face interviews with 2,160 respondents nationwide, and has a ±2 margin of error. 

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez affirmed today that the House of Representatives is expediting deliberations on proposed wage hike legislation to address the urgent need for economic relief, while ensuring a balanced approach that considers the welfare of workers and the sustainability of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

In 2025, increasing international support is emerging for stronger maritime security partnerships with the Philippines, driven by ongoing tensions over China's aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. Ambassadors from key nations, including France, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, the European Union, and Australia, convened at a maritime security forum organized by the Stratbase Institute and the French Embassy in Manila.