Calls for a wage increase require careful study of its legal and economic implications, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said this on Friday during a media interview in Pasay City, citing the importance of finding a balanced approach that considers the country’s small business owners and regular wage earners.
“The employers are worried na sinasabi nila lalong-lalo na ‘yung mga maliliit na employer, halimbawa mga sari-sari store, mga parlor, beauty parlor, ‘yung mga ganoon, ‘yung maliliit lamang,” President Marcos said.
“Pag tinaas ‘yung minimum wage, mababawasan ang kanilang empleyado kasi ganoon pa rin ‘yung pera nila. Hindi naman madadagdagan ‘yung pera na pambayad nila ng suweldo,” he explained.
The President pointed out that the proposed wage increase would most affect small businesses.
On Thursday, the House Committee on Labor and Employment approved a substitute bill mandating a PhP200 daily across-the-board wage increase for private sector workers.
“Pero palagay ko naman there is a way to increase that, but we have to resolve the legal issues, we have to resolve the economic issues. So, it still deserves a great deal of study,” President Marcos said.
He said the tripartite board established by Congress determines the wage increases.
“We have a tripartite board that actually determines the increase in the wage. We have to study it further to see how that will work together. Because this is — the tripartite body was the creation of Congress din,” he also said.
President Marcos assured Filipinos that the government is addressing wage issues, particularly in light of rising prices for basic commodities and inflation. (PND)
