ACT Teachers Partylist Representative Antonio Tinio strongly condemned the National Capital Region Wage Board’s approval of a measly P50 daily wage increase, calling it an insult to Filipino workers who continue to struggle with rising prices and stagnant wages.
The wage board’s decision raises the daily minimum wage in NCR from P645 to P695 for the non-agriculture sector, and from P608 to P658 for the agriculture sector, effective July 18, 2025.
“Nakakainsulto ito sa mga manggagawa. While corporations are raking in record profits and prices of basic commodities continue to soar, our workers are given crumbs,” Rep. Tinio said. “This P50 increase is nothing but a band-aid solution to the worsening poverty of Filipino families.”
According to IBON Foundation data, the current P645 minimum wage in Metro Manila represents only 52.8% of the P1,222 family living wage needed in the region. The new P695 rate will still fall far short of what families need to survive with dignity.
“Kaya naman kagyat na finile ngayon ang panukalang batas para gawing P1,200 ang living wage ng mga manggagawa sa buong bansa,” Rep. Tinio announced, referring to his newly filed bill to establish a P1,200 national living wage.
The ACT Teachers representative emphasized that the 36-year-old regional wage board system has failed Filipino workers, allowing wages to stagnate while the cost of living has skyrocketed.
“Workers have seen their purchasing power continuously eroded. The real value of the Metro Manila minimum wage has fallen to just P518 when measured at 2018 prices,” Rep. Tinio explained. “Meanwhile, the top 1000 corporations saw their combined net income surge 121.5% to P1.82 trillion in 2021.”
Rep. Tinio argued that large corporations can easily afford substantial wage increases, noting that major companies like PLDT saved P900 million from the CREATE Act’s tax incentives without passing these savings to workers.
“The needed wage increase to reach P1,200 only requires 29.7% to 49.1% of the profits amassed by private employers. Kaya nila ito, ayaw lang nila,” he stressed.
The veteran legislator also dismissed claims that wage increases would be inflationary, citing economic studies showing that higher wages have a positive multiplier effect on the economy.
“Low-income workers spend most of what they earn locally, stimulating demand and economic activity in their communities. This helps small businesses and creates more jobs,” Rep. Tinio explained.
He called on President Marcos Jr. to certify his P1,200 living wage bill as urgent, emphasizing that legislating a substantial wage increase is long overdue, given the current economic crisis facing Filipino families.
“Our Constitution guarantees workers their just share in the fruits of production. It’s time to make this constitutional right a reality through a genuine living wage,” Rep. Tinio concluded.#
