Marcos seeks further study on PHP 200 daily min wage hike

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. stated that further study is needed for a proposed PHP 200 across-the-board minimum wage increase due to potential impacts on inflation and cost of goods.

Marcos expressed concern over the effects on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), noting they might have to reduce their workforce due to budget constraints.

The President acknowledged the need to help workers but emphasized that business owners are also concerned about passing higher costs onto consumers through increased prices.

He reiterated that both legal and economic issues need resolution before moving forward with the wage hike, stressing that regional tripartite boards should determine increases.

On Friday, January 31, Marcos said in an interview that he remains on the fence regarding the proposed legislative wage hike, emphasizing the need for further study.

The House Committee on Labor and Employment has already approved the PHP 200 per day salary increase for minimum wage earners, with ongoing discussions about its implementation.

Meanwhile, the Senate passed a counterpart measure proposing a P100 wage hike in February last year.