Senator Urges Marcos Government to Prioritize Wage Increase Legislation

Senator Joel Villanueva expressed his desire for the Marcos administration to declare the wage increase bill as a priority to improve the quality of life for Filipino workers. As the head of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resource Development, Villanueva stressed the importance of converting the country’s 5.6 percent economic growth in 2024 into real advantages for the labor force. He pointed out the urgency of passing the bill before the 19th Congress concludes, stating, ‘Given the high cost of goods, it’s crucial we ensure our fellow citizens can live comfortably.’ Villanueva also acknowledged the ongoing discussions in the House of Representatives regarding a similar proposal for a PHP200 minimum wage increase. He co-authored Senate Bill 2534, which proposes a PHP100 increase in the minimum wage and was passed by the Senate on February 19, 2024. Villanueva concluded by emphasizing the need to align workers’ wages with a livable income.