Marcos: Proposed wage hike needs thorough study

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

FILE: Construction workers atop a building in Timog Avenue, Quezon City under searing heat on Wednesday (April 30, 2025). They won’t mind working on Labor Day Thursday (May 1) because they are entitled to extra pay. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – The calls for a wage increase in the private sector must be carefully studied, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Thursday.

This, as Marcos raised the potential impact of the proposal on the Philippine economy, businesses, and the labor sector.

During the 123rd Labor Day celebration at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, the Chief Executive said the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards continue to study the wage levels in each region.

“Sa usapin naman ng pagtaas ng suweldo, masarap pakinggan ang matatamis na mga pangako, ngunit ang mga ito ay may epekto sa paglago ng negosyo, trabaho, at ekonomiya. Kaya’t kailangan na pag-aralan natin nang mabuti (When it comes to salary increases, it’s nice to hear sweet promises, but they have an impact on business growth, jobs, and the economy. That’s why we need to study them carefully),” he said.

“We hear the call of our workers for better wages and assure you that your concerns are being addressed through the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards,” Marcos added.

Marcos assured the workers of his administration’s commitment to protecting and advancing their welfare while promoting inclusive economic development.

He noted that 16 regions in the Philippines have already implemented wage increases since June 2024.

“Sa kabuuan, 28 wage orders na ang naaprubahan. Nais nating tiyakin ang inyong kapakanan, hindi lamang sa ngayon kundi sa pangmatagalan (In total, 28 wage orders have been approved. We want to ensure your well-being, not just now but in the long term),” Marcos said.