The IYCW Asia Pacific welcome the approval of the senate Bill 2534 on the third reading for the 100 peso wage increase for Filipino workers in the private sector.

The current minimum wage in the country of 610 pesos in Metro Manila is quite low and no longer able to meet basic needs such as food, electricity, house rent, education and others. According to the latest research of IBON Foundation, in National Capital Region (NCR), the family living wage (FLW) is Php1, 193 per day. The gap between the current minimum wage and the family living wage is just too far. The condition of workers in other areas outside of Manila is even worse because their daily wages are lower compared to workers in the NCR.

The wage increase is long overdue and is urgently needed of over 5 million minimum and low wage earners and their families. The proposed 100 pesos additional minimum wage is a good step to alleviate the suffering of Filipino workers from the increasing price of goods and commodities.

We urge the House of Representatives to pass the same measure to benefits the workers, and the Philippine government to speed up and give prioritize this initiative.

Ensuring workers to earn a just wage can address concerns about the basic necessities of their families. This will enable them to have a decent life. To have “just wage and decent life” is an economic and social justice and human dignity.

This is contrary for some groups who claimed that wage increase will result for a higher inflation. This is not true, well in fact, increasing the minimum wage of the workers, there is a chance to lift the family of workers out of poverty. Their purchasing power will be higher, they will be more productive at work and can pay higher taxes to the government.

We are in solidarity with all labor groups, social organizations and other institutions who are advocating for just wage increase for Filipino workers. We cannot deny the plight of the workers. The workers are the backbone of our economy! We must not accept inequality, injustice and poverty.

Yes! To wage increase. No! To Charter Change!

John Brian Geronimo

Rony Robiansyah

IYCW-ASPAC Coordinators

+639361517919