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House push for pay increase welcomed

February 2, 2025 Camille P. Balagtas 171 views

SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has welcomed the House of Representatives’ move to approve a P200 daily minimum wage increase for private sector workers, emphasizing that the Senate is prepared to collaborate in finalizing the legislation before Congress adjourns.

The House Committee on Labor and Employment recently approved the proposed wage hike, nearly a year after the Senate passed its own version in March 2024, which proposed a P100 increase.

With only nine session days left before the adjournment on February 7, Escudero acknowledged the urgency of the measure but noted that the Senate had not conducted hearings on the higher amount now being proposed.

“We did not conduct hearings on this… so I guess we will find out once the House starts its hearings,” Escudero said.

He added that Senate committee secretaries would monitor the House deliberations to keep senators informed.

Despite the time constraints, Escudero said he looks forward to working with the House in reconciling their versions of the wage hike bill.

The proposal, if enacted, would provide much-needed financial relief to workers amid inflationary pressures.

The measure is expected to undergo further scrutiny as lawmakers consider its economic implications, including concerns raised by business groups regarding its potential impact on small and medium enterprises.

However, proponents argue that the increase is necessary to help workers cope with rising costs of living.

The Senate and House will need to act swiftly to align their versions of the bill before the current legislative session ends.