The ₱200 wage hike bill is dead—for now.
House Spokesperson Rep. Joey Abante announced that the Senate’s failure to act essentially killed the proposed wage increase. The measure, which would have added ₱200 to the daily minimum wage nationwide, had already passed the House on final reading earlier this year.
Abante expressed frustration during a press briefing, saying:
“We already did our part. Bakit Senate ang naging problema?”
According to him, it was Senate inaction—not the House—that stalled the bill’s progress.
What the Senate Says
Senators didn’t take kindly to being blamed.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada, chair of the Senate committee on labor, fired back:
“Study first before you squawk.”
He explained that his committee had been conducting technical working group meetings to assess the long-term effects of wage increases on workers and businesses. Other senators also said the bill still needed refinements, and that they were being responsible—not lazy.
What’s at Stake
Had it passed both chambers, the ₱200 hike could have raised the daily wage of minimum earners in Metro Manila from ₱645 to ₱845. In other regions where wages are even lower, this would have made an even bigger impact.
For many workers, every peso counts. A wage hike isn’t just a number—it’s extra groceries, a few more jeepney rides, or money saved for emergencies.
But business groups and economists have warned that a blanket wage increase could lead to:
- Layoffs in small businesses
- Higher prices (inflation)
- Reduced job opportunities in the long run
Some lawmakers have proposed a more “targeted” approach, like government subsidies or tax relief for low-income workers.
Where It Stands Now
The wage hike bill is effectively dead in this Congress unless refiled in the next session. With just months left before budget deliberations, lawmakers on both sides are unlikely to revive it soon.
Senator JV Ejercito summarized the mood:
“We’re not saying no. We just want to get it right.”
What This Means for You
If you’re a minimum wage earner—or a small business owner—this issue affects your bottom line. No new law means:
- Your current daily wage stays the same
- Prices will still continue to rise due to inflation
- The fight for wage reform is far from over
This also highlights how policies can stall even after public support and House approval. For real change to happen, pressure must come from the public to push both chambers to act—not just one.
Quick Recap
- The ₱200 wage hike bill passed in the House, but stalled in the Senate.
- House Spox Abante blames the Senate for letting the bill die.
- Senators respond: We’re still studying it.
- Workers now wait—again—for any hope of a pay raise.
