CHR backs proposed P100 minimum wage hike

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday welcomed the proposal to increase the daily minimum wage of workers in the private sector by P100, saying that it will help improve the capacity of the Filipino labor force to provide for their families. 

“While it may seem minimal, the proposed P100 increase in the daily minimum wage is a step in the right direction for the improvement of the Filipino labor force. We value this positive change and recognise its importance in achieving a better and more empowered workforce in the country,” CHR said in a statement. 

The CHR also underscored the importance of striking a balance between considering the economic implications and providing equitable minimum wage salaries, particularly in the context of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). 

“Pushing for a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable, minimum wage is critical to promoting a humane quality of life, both for employees and employers, and we believe that this is one of the most transformative policies that the government could implement for its people,” it added. 

In February, the Senate approved on third and final reading Senate Bill 2534 or “An Act Providing for a 100 Pesos Daily Minimum Wage Increase for Employees and Workers in the Private Sector.” 

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), however, warned that this may result in a possible increase in the prices of basic goods and services.

The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) also voiced its concern that raising the minimum wage would compel companies to increase the cost of their products or reduce manpower.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)---the country's largest business organization—also told Congress to let the National Wages and Productivity Commission and Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards decide on wage increases rather than legislate a bill "that would only benefit a few and disenfranchise other members of the labor force." —Giselle Ombay/ VAL, GMA Integrated News