SENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Monday called on both chambers of Congress to reconcile opposing bills on the proposed minimum wage hike before the 19th Congress adjourns.
“Only two session days remain in the 19th Congress, and the bill that would grant a wage increase to minimum wage workers in the private sector must be taken up. Let’s not forget them,” Hontiveros said.
“We are down to the wire,” she added.
The House of Representatives last week approved House Bill No. 11376, which seeks to raise the daily minimum wage by ₱200 for private sector workers.
The Senate had earlier passed its own version of the measure, proposing a ₱100 increase.
Hontiveros co-sponsored the Senate bill, ensuring that the increase would also benefit contractual, sub-contractual and agency-hired workers.
“The House and the Senate both agree that it’s time to grant a wage increase. A bicameral conference committee must be convened to reconcile the differing versions, so the final bill can be sent to Malacañang and signed into law without delay,” the senator said.
Hontiveros also said that the issue must not be overshadowed by ongoing political developments, including discussions of impeachment.
“Let us listen to the voices of workers who continue to struggle with the rising costs of goods, transportation, and services,” she concluded.
