House labor panel delays wage hike, weighs stakeholders' input

The House Committee on Labor and Employment stated on Monday that they will not rush the proposed law for a wage hike after the Senate approved a similar bill last week.

Panel chair Julian Felipe Nograles emphasized their decision to thoroughly examine the proposal, considering various stakeholders such as investors and employers, in line with the directive from the House Speaker.

Progressive lawmakers welcomed the discussion but stressed that a P100 increase is insufficient to meet the family living wage of P1,200 per day.

ACT Teachers Party List Representative France Castro and Gabriela Party List Representative Arlene Brosas argued for higher daily wage hikes ranging from P150 to P750 or even up to P750 to address the gap between current minimum wages and living costs.

Employers' Confederation of the Philippines President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. warned that an unrelated wage increase could harm businesses, potentially leading to job losses, while Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma cautioned against potential wage distortion and higher inflation.

Economic experts like Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo have raised concerns about the proposal, suggesting that wage increases may lead to either higher inflation or companies laying off workers for viability.

The House labor panel will deliberate on Wednesday, carefully analyzing different proposals including a P350 per day increase and considering the establishment of a national minimum wage rate.