
MANILA, Philippines — THE House of Representatives has approved on second reading House Bill No. 11376, also known as the “Wage Hike for Minimum Wage Workers Act,” which seeks to grant a ₱200 daily wage increase to all minimum wage earners in the private sector. The bill, authored by Tingog Partylist Representatives Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre, underscores the party’s commitment to improving the welfare of Filipino workers while ensuring that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) receive the necessary support to adapt to the changes.
The proposed wage hike will cover workers in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, including those under contractual and sub-contractual arrangements. Recognizing the potential challenges for small businesses, the bill maintains key exemptions and introduces government-backed incentives to help MSMEs adjust smoothly.
Support for Small Businesses
Rep. Jude Acidre emphasized that the bill strikes a careful balance between providing fair wages and maintaining business sustainability. In an interview with IBC 13, Acidre clarified:
“Klaro po sa panukalang batas na magkakaroon ng exemption. Una, ang may exemption po ay ‘yung mga enterprises na rehistrado sa ilalim ng Barangay Micro Business Enterprises Act. Pangalawa, ‘yung mga negosyo na may sampung empleyado pababa. At pangatlo, ‘yung mga negosyo sa mga lugar na nasalanta ng disaster at bagyo.”
Under Republic Act No. 9178 or the “Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) Act of 2002,” registered BMBEs are exempt from the minimum wage law. Similarly, retail and service businesses with 10 or fewer employees, as well as businesses located in disaster-stricken areas, may also qualify for exemptions under Republic Act No. 6727, also known as the “Wage Rationalization Act.”
To support small enterprises in adjusting to the wage increase, the bill mandates that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provide incentives to ease the transition.
“We recognize that some businesses may need support in implementing the adjustment, which is why there will be DOLE-provided incentives to help ease the transition,” Acidre added.
No Major Inflationary Impact Expected
Addressing concerns about the potential inflationary effects of the wage hike, Acidre cited historical data showing that previous legislative wage increases did not trigger significant inflation surges.
“Noong 1989, nagkaroon tayo ng legislative wage increase na halos 40% ng pang-araw-araw na sweldo. Pero hindi naman ito nagdulot ng matinding inflation. Sa halip, nagkaroon ng kaunting ginhawa ang ating mga manggagawa, at mas lumakas pa ang ating ekonomiya. Sa panukalang ito, 25% lamang ang itataas ng sahod—malayo sa 40% noong 1989.”
Acidre emphasized that this moderate wage adjustment aims to provide relief to workers without placing undue strain on the economy.
Speaker Romualdez’s Leadership Praised
Acidre also credited House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez for prioritizing workers’ welfare and ensuring the swift progress of the bill in Congress.
“You have to give credit to the Speaker na nakinig talaga sa hinaing ng ating mga manggagawa. Ilang linggo lang ang nakakaraan, lumabas ang survey na nagsasabing mataas pa rin ang self-rated poverty sa bansa. Ang dagdag na kita mula sa umento sa sahod ay makakatulong upang mabawasan ang kahirapan.”
For her part, Rep. Yedda Romualdez reaffirmed Tingog’s dedication to crafting policies that balance the needs of both workers and businesses.
“This wage increase is a crucial step toward ensuring that our workers receive just compensation while also considering the realities faced by small businesses. We want a strong, sustainable economy where every Filipino—whether worker or business owner—can thrive.”
With the bill now advancing toward final approval, Tingog Partylist remains steadfast in advocating for policies that uplift Filipino families, strengthen local economies, and support MSMEs in adapting to essential reforms.