MANILA — Faustino Dy III has ordered the fast-tracking of a major reform measure that seeks to establish a single national minimum wage and abolish the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards.
The consolidated bill merges several proposals pending before the House Committee on Labor and Employment, authored by lawmakers from across party lines — a sign of growing momentum behind efforts to restructure the country’s wage-setting system.
On Feb. 24, Dy convened principal authors of the measure and leaders of key labor groups, including the Federation of Free Workers and other national unions, to align on the framework of the reform. During the meeting, the Speaker thanked labor representatives for sharing their concerns and experiences.
“I fought for higher wages during my time as Governor of Isabela,” Dy said. “We owe our workers a fair and unified wage system, and the House will act on this.”
Following the meeting, Dy directed that the consolidated measure be included in the plenary agenda for discussion next week. He said the House aims to pass the bill by Labor Day.
Under the proposal, wage-setting authority would be transferred to the National Wages and Productivity Commission, replacing the current regional wage boards. The measure adopts a phased implementation, with the initial national minimum wage set no lower than the prevailing rate in the National Capital Region.
The bill also includes transition support mechanisms to help affected sectors adjust to the new wage structure.
If enacted, the reform would address long-standing regional wage disparities and establish a clearer national wage floor for workers nationwide.
With plenary debates scheduled and a Labor Day target set, Dy signaled that wage reform is a legislative priority.|
