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Construction workers on top of an unfinished building in Makati on August 24, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File

Article (news)

Pia Gutierrez

ABS-CBN News

<div style="text-align:left"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1746073716003Screen Shot 2025-05-01 at 12.27.46 PM.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Construction workers on top of an unfinished building in Makati on August 24, 2022. <em>George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File</em></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align:left">MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Thursday said there is a need for a careful study of the proposed legislated increase in wages, citing its impact to businesses and the economy.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/4/30/on-labor-day-marcos-says-gov-t-will-be-workers-partner-0658">On Labor Day, Marcos says gov’t will be workers’ ‘partner’</a></div><p>The Philippine leader made the statement as he led the celebration of the 123rd Labor Day celebration at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.</p><p>&quot;Sa usapin naman ng pagtataas ng sweldo, masarap pakinggan ang mga matatamis na pangako. Ngunit ang mga ito ay may epekto sa paglago ng negosyo, trabaho at ekonomiya, kaya’t kailangan na pag-aralan natin ng mabuti,” Marcos said.</p><p>The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) earlier called on Marcos to certify as urgent the P200 legislated wage hike, citing hikes in public transportation costs.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/1/daan-daang-naghahanda-para-sa-kilos-protest-para-sa-araw-ng-manggagawa-1013">Daan-daan naghahanda para sa kilos-protest sa Araw ng Manggagawa</a></div><p>The President however assured that government is hearing the calls of Filipino workers for better wages and that their concerns are being addressed through Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) across the country.</p><p>“We hear the call of our workers for better wages and assure you, that your concerns are being addressed through RTWPBs,” he continued.</p><p>“Government stands firm in its commitment to protecting and advancing workers welfare while promoting inclusive economic development.”</p><p>The President noted that a total of 16 regions nationwide have implemented minimum wage increases since June of last year.</p><p>Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma meanwhile announced that the RTWPB in the National Capital Region are set to begin a new round of talks for a possible minimum wage hike by middle of the month.</p><p>The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also announced that it is allocating a total P2.57 billion in assistance distributed nationwide under its Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program for Labor Day.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/1/7/coa-flags-dole-for-two-time-tupad-beneficiaries-1515">COA flags DOLE for two-time TUPAD beneficiaries</a></div><p>The program, which consists of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), will help a total of 406,781 Filipinos nationwide.</p><p>Meanwhile, a total 1,170 &quot;Kadiwa stores&quot; will be open nationwide to bring affordable and fresh goods closer to workers and the public this Labor Day.</p><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BCN_yvwDHAk?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>The President noted that a total of 16 regions nationwide have implemented minimum wage increases since June of last year.</p>

The President noted that a total of 16 regions nationwide have implemented minimum wage increases since June of last year.

Marcos tells workers: Wage hike calls being addressed by regional boards

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Marcos tells workers: Wage hike calls being addressed by regional boards

Pia Gutierrez,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 01, 2025 12:43 PM PHT

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