The Trade Union Congress Party (TUCP) Party-list is calling on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent the PHP 150 daily wage hike bill for private-sector workers and to consider a temporary suspension of fuel excise taxes to alleviate the economic burden on Filipino families.
The TUCP Party-list also urged the House of Representatives to fast-track the passage of the wage increase measure, warning that delays will only worsen the financial struggles of workers.
“We appeal to the compassion of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent the TUCP Party-list bill for a PHP 150 daily wage hike and the suspension of fuel excise taxes,” the group said.
Wage Hike Crucial as Poverty Hits Record High
The urgency of the wage increase is underscored by a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, which reported that 63% of Filipino families—around 17.4 million—rated themselves as poor in December 2024.
This figure marks the highest poverty rate in 21 years, with 10.2% of families classified as near-poor and 11% as borderline poor.
TUCP stressed that the worsening economic crisis, driven by volatile fuel prices, soaring rice costs, and rising fares, demands immediate government intervention.
“There is no other reprieve in sight in the face of volatile energy price spikes eating away at workers’ meager salaries and public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers’ take-home pay,” TUCP said.
Rising Costs Force Transport Fare Hike Petition
Currently, jeepney operators have petitioned the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to raise fares from PHP 13 to PHP 15 to offset rising fuel and operational expenses.
The TUCP Party-list argued that another fare increase would further squeeze low-income workers and commuters who are already struggling to keep up with the cost of living.
“Renewed calls to once again increase the basic fare in jeepneys underscore the imperative of an immediate wage hike and temporary suspension of the excise tax on fuel,” TUCP said.
“We cannot countenance that workers, drivers, and commuters are always the ones sacrificing and bearing the brunt of economic difficulties.”
Historic Wage Hike Gains Momentum
The PHP 150 daily wage hike bill, filed as House Bill No. 7871, has gained momentum following a landmark meeting between labor leaders and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
TUCP Representative and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito Mendoza met with Speaker Romualdez, along with labor leaders from FFW, SENTRO, and TUCP, to push for the bill’s urgent passage.
Romualdez expressed strong support for the measure and indicated a willingness to increase the PHP 150 wage hike to better combat malnutrition, poverty, and economic hardship.
“The House of Representatives as the ‘House of the People’ would urgently and swiftly act to ensure progress and approval in both the House Committee on Labor and Employment and the plenary despite the limited session days remaining,” Romualdez assured labor leaders.
36 Years Since Last Legislated Wage Hike
The last legislated national wage hike was enacted in 1989 through Republic Act No. 6727, known as the Wage Rationalization Act, which raised the minimum wage from PHP 64 to PHP 89.
For over three decades, Filipino workers have relied on regional wage boards, which labor groups argue have failed to keep up with inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.
With less than a week before Congress adjourns for the 2025 campaign period, the TUCP Party-list hopes for swift approval of the bill, beginning with a House Labor Committee hearing set for January 30, 2025, at 11 AM.
Labor groups remain optimistic that lawmakers will prioritize the measure, making it the first legislated daily wage hike in 36 years.
