Bong Go pushes for P100 wage increase

SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go said poor and low-income Filipinos would benefit from the proposed law which aims to raise the daily minimum wage by P100 amid the rising prices of goods.

The senator who co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill (SB) 2534, said that the measure

which the Senate passed on third and final reading last week, remains a proposal until it is passed by the House of Representatives and signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

He expressed hope that fellow lawmakers and the government as a whole would support the measure to help uplift the plight of the poor.

Go called on the wealthier segments of society to support the measure and assist the ordinary workers, particularly those living in precarious financial situations.

“If you’re not going to suffer financial loss, please share some of your earnings because those who will benefit would be the indigents, our fellowmen who appreciate every peso [they earn],” he said in Filipino.

Go said that the P100 wage hike would help workers cope with current economic conditions and the increasing cost of living due to various factors such as inflation.

“I’m appealing, we have to strike a balance between businesses and employees,” he said.

Go also clarified that the government should continue to support employers, especially micro, small and medium enterprises that provide employment opportunities to ensure that both employer and employee welfare are upheld.

SB 2534, principally sponsored by Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, sought to amend Republic Act 6727, or the “Wage Rationalization Act,” which created the regional wage boards determining the minimum wage rates in different regions.

“I commend the good sponsor, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and our Senate President, Juan Miguel Zubiri, for their relentless drive in helping our ordinary Filipino workers,” Go earlier said.

Zubiri is the principal author of the measure. The bill proposes to increase the daily minimum wage by P100, regardless of the existing wage rates in the regions.

The minimum wage per day in the National Capital Region, the highest across the Philippines, is currently set at P610.