Philippine Senate Approves PHP100 Wage Increase for Private Sector Workers

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate on Monday unanimously passed a bill that proposes a PHP100 salary increase for all minimum wage earners in the private sector across the nation, covering both agricultural and non-agricultural workers. Senate Bill (SB) 2534 aims to adjust the income of employees in response to the evolving economic landscape and living standards.

According to Philippines News Agency, the proponent of the measure, the increase is essential for sustaining the economy’s growth and enhancing the welfare of the workforce, which he described as the “lifeblood of enterprises.” Estrada emphasized that the wage hike would not only benefit the workers but also stimulate local economies by increasing consumer spending power.

This legislative move marks the first nationwide wage increase since the implementation of Republic Act 6727, the Wage Rationalization Act, in 1989. That act established regional wage boards responsible for setting minimum wages locally.

Furthermore, the Senate also passed SB 2505, known as the Eddie Garcia Bill, to improve the working conditions and welfare of workers in the movie industry. Named after the late veteran actor Eddie Garcia, the bill aims to protect and support movie and television workers from unfair labor practices and enhance their working conditions.

Estrada highlighted that this bill continues the efforts initiated by his father, former President Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada, who founded the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation fifty years ago to assist underprivileged industry workers. The Eddie Garcia Bill mandates the standardization of working hours, wages, social security, and welfare benefits for movie and television industry workers. It also establishes a Movie and TV Industry Tripartite Council, which will include representatives from the government, employers, and workers, to oversee the implementation of these measures.

These legislative advancements reflect the Senate’s commitment to supporting the Philippine workforce by ensuring fair compensation and improving labor conditions across various sectors.