Marcos to workers: Gov’t studying wage hike call

Members of various labor and progressive groups march along España Boulevard in Manila to mark Labor Day on Thursday, calling on the government to implement a P200 increase in daily wage rates. — Photo by Faith Argosino/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Labor Day promised Filipino workers that their call for a wage hike has been heard and is being studied by his administration.

Marcos made the assurance during his speech at the 123rd Labor Day celebration in Pasay City on Thursday.

READ: Labor groups press P200 wage hike

“When it comes to salary increases, sweet promises sound pleasant, but they have an impact on business growth, jobs, and the economy. That’s why we need to study them carefully,” he said in Filipino.

“We hear the call of our workers for better wages and assure you that your concerns are being addressed through the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards,”  the President continued.

READ: Proposed P200 minimum wage hike needs further study – Marcos

Marcos himself said in a chance interview last January that the currently proposed P200 across-the-board minimum wage increase still requires further study since it may lead to an increase in the cost of goods and services.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, various labor and progressive groups marched along España Boulevard in Manila, calling for a wage increase, to mark the May 1 celebration.

Days before the protest, 30 labor organizations, along with Makabayan senatorial candidates, unveiled their unified labor agenda, which outlined key reforms on wages and contractualization, among others.

These include regular and decent employment, full recognition of the right to freedom of association, the right to unionize, and human rights; quality public services; and agricultural and industrial development, among others.

Easier renewal of PRC license

Marcos likewise encouraged the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Council to review the CPD law and program to help ease the burden on professionals.

“Kung kinakailangan, bisitahin natin ang Republic Act No. 10912 o ‘yung ‘Continuing Professional Development Act’ upang maitiyak naman natin na ito ay hindi lamang para sa pagbuo ng mga oras ng training para sa renewal ng mga lisensya, bagkus ay para bigyan ng patas na pagkakataon ang ating mga propesyunal na umunlad sa kanilang mga napiling larangan,” he said.

(If necessary, let’s visit Republic Act No. 10912 or the ‘Continuing Professional Development Act’ so that we can ensure that this is not just for earning training hours for license renewal, but rather to give our professionals a fair opportunity to improve in their chosen fields.)

“Mahirap na ang maghanapbuhay, pahihirapan pa ba natin ang mga naghahanapbuhay?” Marcos also asked.

(It’s already difficult to make a living; are we going to make it even harder for those who are working?)

CPD is a requirement for all licensed and registered professionals before they can renew their Professional Identification Cards issued by the PRC.