Bam Aquino pushes for P200 min wage increase

Independent senatorial candidate Bam Aquino urged on Tuesday for the passage of a bill that would mandate a P200 wage increase for minimum wage workers in the private sector.

During a campaign event in Miag-ao, Iloilo, Aquino highlighted the importance of passing this legislation to help alleviate workers' financial burdens from high food prices and low wages, stating it is a very important step in helping our workers.

The former senator, who is running on platforms including free education and guaranteed jobs, promised to work towards enacting the proposed wage hike if elected, and also committed to pushing for an additional P2,000 social pension for all senior citizens.

While the House approved a P200 wage increase bill at the committee level before adjourning for the campaign season, the Senate passed its version with a lower P100 increase. The two chambers must reconcile their proposals by June 13, when the 19th Congress ends.

House Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito Mendoza urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify the proposed P200 minimum wage hike as urgent amid rising poverty and hunger, pointing out that half of Filipino families are currently living in poverty.