MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives is preparing for a critical third reading of House Bill 11376, known as the Wage Hike For Minimum Wage Workers Act.

This bill proposes a P200 increase in the daily minimum wage for private sector workers across the Philippines, marking the first legislated wage hike in over thirty years.

With only two weeks remaining before the 19th Congress adjourns, the bill's prospects are unclear.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez remarked on June 2 that the legislative process would determine the bill's outcome, indicating uncertainty in its passage.

The bill has garnered attention for its proposal to boost the daily minimum wage in Metro Manila from P645 to P845, while setting varying rates for other regions ranging from P560 to P760.

The measure also aims to alleviate the financial impact on small businesses by offering compliance incentives through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Despite passing its second reading in February, the bill has encountered delays.

Proponents, including labor groups, have urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to classify the bill as urgent to expedite its passage.

President Marcos has previously expressed caution regarding wage increases, citing concerns that they could adversely affect business viability and contribute to inflation.

On Labor Day, he reiterated the need for a careful examination of any potential wage hikes to balance growth in businesses, employment, and the economy.

Economists have argued that many businesses possess the capacity to implement the proposed wage increases without adverse effects.

They suggest that the real challenge lies in the willingness of companies to allocate a larger share of their profits to wages.

Romualdez has not provided a definitive stance on the bill, stating that its fate rests with the House members' discretion.

The third reading of the bill will not allow further amendments.

Should it pass, it would advance to a bicameral conference committee, where discrepancies between the House and Senate versions will be resolved before final approval is sought from the president.

Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza, a principal author of the bill, emphasized the urgency of its passage, citing that it has cleared second reading without opposition.

Additionally, the Senate had previously approved a separate P100 wage hike bill unanimously earlier this year.

On June 2, the National Wage Coalition rallied outside the House, calling for the bill’s swift passage.

The coalition asserted that the proposed wage hike would enhance productivity, stimulate economic growth, and enable workers to meet the increasing costs of essential goods and services.

They highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that every Filipino worker and their family are relying on the commitment of the House leadership in this matter.

If enacted, the wage hike bill is projected to impact approximately five million minimum wage earners nationwide.

However, an analysis from an economic think tank, IBON Foundation, indicated that even with the proposed increases, the new wage rates would still fall short of the estimated family living wage, which exceeds P1,200 per day.