HOUSE Deputy Speaker and Zambales First District Representative Jay Khonghun has expressed strong support for the proposed abolition of the “provincial rate” system, saying the measure would ensure fair and equitable wages for workers across the country.
Khonghun expressed his full support for House Bill No. 8081, or the National Minimum Wage Bill, authored and endorsed by Rep. Eli San Fernando of the Kamanggagawa Partylist.
The measure seeks to dismantle the existing regional wage boards and the provincial rate system, replacing them with a single national minimum wage.
Under the proposal, the current wage-setting mechanism implemented by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board under the Department of Labor and Employment would be scrapped in favor of a standardized nationwide rate.
“Panahon na upang itaas ang sahod at ibalik ang dignidad ng bawat manggagawang Pilipino saan man sulok ng bansa” Khonghun said. “Ito ay isang karapatan at nararapat na magkaroon ng pambansang minimum wage para sa pantay at makatarungang sahod saan mang panig ng bansa,” he added.
For his part, San Fernando thanked Khonghun for his unequivocal support of HB 8081, noting that backing from the House leadership is a significant step toward advancing workers’ welfare and rights in Congress.
Under the current system, minimum wages vary by region in accordance with wage orders issued by regional wage boards. As a result, workers in several provinces receive lower pay compared to their counterparts in the National Capital Region.
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