IN a recent statement, Marikina Representative Stella Luz A. Quimbo emphasized that workers’ welfare, in the immediate, can be addressed by temporarily suspending PhilHealth premium collections. Quimbo proposed House Resolution 1595, to provide immediate financial relief to economically vulnerable workers by temporarily halting PhilHealth premium collections. This measure will increase workers’ take-home pay without imposing additional costs on businesses, fostering a balanced approach to economic progress that benefits all stakeholders.
Quimbo addressed the apprehensions on the suspension amid concerns of financial risks. “Hindi po tayo dapat mabahala sapagkat ang natirang pondo na binigay ng Kongreso sa PhilHealth noong 2022 ay sapat na para bayaran ang minimum wage worker contributions para sa buong 2024. Hindi pa natin pinaguusapan ang sobrang pondo noong 2023. Kaya’t hindi ito makakaabala sa kahit na anong hospital payments.”
In relation to the upcoming deliberations regarding the proposed wage hike, Quimbo recognized the House of Representatives’ commitment in safeguarding the welfare of Filipino workers. This is exhibited in the call of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to explore avenues for enhancing workers’ net pay, whether through legislated wage increases or modifications to the regional wage board system.
She voiced support for the intent of Senate Bill 2534 and similar bills pending in the House aimed at promoting workers’ welfare, stressing the importance of these measures to support the basic needs and overall welfare of workers and their families.
Quimbo addressed the complexities of implementing a uniform wage increase across the Philippines, highlighting the significant disparities in the cost of living and economic conditions across regions.
Further, Quimbo detailed the financial implications of a wage increase on contributions to social security and health insurance, and the potential for such increases to lead to higher consumer prices and job losses. She underscored the need for careful analysis of the policy’s effects on the economy, including its impact on GDP growth, unemployment rates, and inflation.
“Sa pagtaas ng sahod, ipapasa ng mga negosyante ang dagdag na gastusin sa mga konsyumer. Kinalaunan, tataas ang presyo ng bilihin. Bukod pa rito, maaring magtanggal ng mga manggagawa ang ating mga employer upang mabawasan ang kanilang gastos sa pagpapatakbo ng negosyo,” Quimbo stated.
“Sa huli, hindi ito laban sa pagitan ng manggagawa at may-ari ng negosyo. At hindi rin kailanman tatayo ang Kongreso sa gitna ng pagpapataas ng maiuuwing kita ng ating mga manggagawa,” Quimbo stated, affirming the House’s stance on enhancing workers’ incomes. “Lahat po tayo ay bahagi at apektado ng ekonomiya. Ang dapat na direksyon natin ay ang pag-unlad na kasama ang lahat, dahil sa isang umuunlad na ekonomiya, mahalaga at makikinabang ang bawat isa.”
