Senator Jinggoy Estrada expects that their proposed ₱100 across-the-board daily minimum wage hike would ease the burdens of an estimated 4.2 million private workers.
In an interview during DZRH Dos Por Dos on Thursday, February 8, Estrada said the existing minimum wage in Metro Manila and in provinces is too small amidst high food prices despite the inflation eased to 2.8 percent in January 2024.
"Ang inflation rate as of January 2024 ay bumaba ng 2.[8]% pero ang presyo ng bilihin, hindi bumababa, pataas nang pataas. Kaya itong ating panukalang batas, ay para maibsan ang burden ng ating taong bayan dahil sa patuloy na pagtaas ng mga pangunahing bilihin at rising cost of living," the Senator said.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada sa proposal ng legislated wage hike: Matagal bago magkaroon ng legislated wage hike. Nagkaroon ng legislated hike was around more than 10 years ago. #DosPorDos#SamaSamaTayoPilipino
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) February 7, 2024
LIVE:https://t.co/xgwP0JfCsa pic.twitter.com/kDfdH8wPGF
The lowest minimum wage in provinces is said to be at ₱306, while the highest minimum wage in Metro Manila is at ₱610.
"It was estimated to a family of five which is ₱8,379 per month just to meet the basic food requirement. Talagang kulang sa pamilya ang ₱610," Estrada said.
He believes that the passing of the proposed minimum wage hike would not be inflationary or cause a spike in the country's inflation rate.
Under Senate Bill No. 2534 filed on February 7, Estrada and his fellow senators stated that the ₱100 across-the-board daily minimum wage hike applies to the private sector, whether in agricultural or non-agricultural.
They proposed a penalty ranging from ₱25,000 to ₱100,000 or two to four years of imprisonment against a person, corporation, trust, firm, partnership, association, or entity who violates the act's provision.
