Senator Joel Villanueva is once again calling on lawmakers to act on his proposed bill that would institutionalize a “living wage” system to guide the country’s minimum wage rates—an approach he says would deliver long-term benefits to Filipino workers.
Villanueva, who chairs the Senate Committee on Labor and Employment, emphasized that while the recent wage hike in Metro Manila is welcome news, it is still not enough to close the gap between earnings and the cost of living.
“We are pushing for the legislated wage increase, but I think the Living Wage Act will have a lasting impact,” Villanueva said. He explained that his measure would help regional wage boards use accurate data and a consistent formula to determine decent wage levels across different localities.
Currently, wage boards respond to petitions before initiating a review. Under Villanueva’s bill, they would be empowered to act proactively, using updated cost-of-living metrics without waiting for formal requests.
He also stressed the need to account for regional disparities. “Hindi naman po pwedeng pantay-pantay yung sinusweldo ng isang manggagawa na nandoon sa far-flung areas,” he said, noting that differences in infrastructure and business activity must be considered.
The proposed Living Wage Act seeks to amend the Labor Code so that the minimum wage rate is no longer just based on market conditions but anchored on a clear, rights-based standard that reflects the real cost of a dignified life.
“Ultimately, legislating the living wage criteria is a step towards advancing the country’s labor framework… that affirms the inherent worth of every Filipino worker,” Villanueva added.
The initiative is also aligned with the International Labour Organization’s call for a wage system that meets a family’s basic needs and reflects work done during standard hours.
