The Department of Labor and Employment on Tuesday defended the country’s regional wage-setting system as the House of Representatives Labor and Employment Committee resumed hearings on bills seeking legislated minimum wage increases, as reported by BusinessWorld.
During the hearing, labor officials argued that the existing Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards are better positioned to determine appropriate wage adjustments based on local economic conditions and cost of living. They warned that a uniform nationwide increase could harm businesses in less prosperous regions.
Lawmakers pushing for a legislated wage hike said the current minimum wage remains insufficient for workers to meet basic needs amid inflation. The committee is expected to continue deliberations and possibly vote on the measures in the coming weeks.