TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog Party-list Representatives Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre reaffirmed their commitment to uplifting Filipino workers while supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 11376, or the “Wage Hike for Minimum Wage Workers Act,” on second reading.
The bill proposes a P200 daily wage increase for all minimum wage earners in the private sector, including those under contractual and sub-contractual arrangements in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.
However, to ease the burden on small businesses, the measure retains key exemptions and provides government-backed incentives to help MSMEs adjust to the wage hike.
Rep. Acidre emphasized that the bill strikes a balance between fair wages and business sustainability. Speaking to IBC 13, he explained:
“Klaro po sa panukalang batas na magkakaroon ng exemption. Una, ang may exemption po ay ‘yung mga enterprises na rehistrado sa ilalim ng Barangay Micro Business Enterprises Act. Pangalawa, ‘yung mga negosyo na may sampung empleyado pababa. At pangatlo, ‘yung mga negosyo sa mga lugar na nasalanta ng disaster at bagyo.”
Under Republic Act No. 9178, or the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) Act of 2002, BMBEs are exempt from the Minimum Wage Law.
Additionally, retail and service businesses with 10 or fewer employees, as well as those in disaster-affected areas, may qualify for exemptions under Republic Act No. 6727, also known as the Wage Rationalization Act.
To assist small enterprises in implementing the wage adjustment, the bill mandates financial and technical incentives through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
“We recognize that some businesses may need support, which is why DOLE will provide incentives to help ease the transition,” Acidre added.
For her part, Rep. Yedda Romualdez emphasized Tingog’s commitment to policies that balance the needs of both workers and businesses.
“This wage increase is a crucial step toward ensuring that our workers receive just compensation while also considering the realities faced by small businesses. We want a strong, sustainable economy where every Filipino—whether worker or business owner—can thrive.”
Acidre credited Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez for prioritizing the concerns of workers and ensuring the bill’s swift progress in Congress.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
