President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has emphasized the need for a thorough review of the proposed ₱200 daily across-the-board wage hike for private-sector workers, warning of potential consequences for small businesses and inflation.
The proposal, recently approved by the House Committee on Labor and Employment, mandates all private employers—regardless of business size—to implement the wage increase. House Speaker Martin Romualdez has signaled support for the measure.
While acknowledging the financial strain on workers due to rising prices, Marcos stressed that business owners, particularly those running micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), might struggle to afford the wage hike without cutting jobs.
“If the minimum wage goes up, businesses with limited funds may have to reduce their workforce,” Marcos said in an ABS-CBN News report.
He also pointed out that wage adjustments in the Philippines are traditionally determined by Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards, which consider economic factors such as cost of living and investment climate in different regions.
Marcos assured that the government is examining the proposal carefully to balance workers’ needs with economic sustainability.
