Labor groups push for P200 wage hike, ECOP opposes

Various labor groups are advocating for a P200 legislated wage increase, urging President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to certify the bill as urgent.

However, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) maintains strong opposition, warning of negative impacts on informal workers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

ECOP president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. stated that the proposed P200 increase would only benefit a minority, estimated at 10 to 16 percent of the country's 49.15 million workers.

He argued that the majority, including those in the informal sector like farmers, fisherfolk, jeepney and tricycle drivers, and market vendors, would not directly benefit.

Ortiz-Luis also cautioned that significant wage hikes would raise operating costs for small businesses, potentially leading to price increases, layoffs, or closures.