PCCI: P35 Minimum Wage Hike in NCR is ‘Reasonable’

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the nation’s largest business group, has deemed the P35 increase in the daily minimum wage for private sector workers in the National Capital Region (NCR) as reasonable.

PCCI President Enunina Mangio affirmed that employers will adhere to the new minimum wage, which has risen from P610 to P645, as approved by NCR’s Regional Tripartite and Productivity Wage Boards.

Employer and MSME Considerations

Mangio stated that PCCI respects the wage board’s decision and will monitor its impact on micro and small enterprises, which she identified as the economy’s backbone. She noted that the P35 hike is “fair enough” compared to a previously proposed P100 increase, which she warned could lead to business closures and unemployment.

Mangio emphasized the importance of balancing wage adjustments with the financial health of businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) shows that small enterprises employ 10-99 workers, while medium enterprises have 100-199 workers.

Stakeholder Dialogue

Highlighting the win-win nature of the decision, Mangio acknowledged the role of inflation in affecting all stakeholders. She underscored the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to achieve sustainable economic growth.

Divergent Views on Wage Hike

While the PCCI supports the wage order as reasonable, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) argues that the increase is insufficient to meet daily expenses for Filipino workers. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma defended the P35 hike, clarifying that minimum wages are intended for entry-level positions. Meanwhile, TUCP continues to advocate for a P150 legislated wage hike, which has been approved by the Senate and is pending in the House of Representatives’ Committee of Labor and Employment.