Several senators are pushing different versions of wage hike bills, with proposed increases ranging from ₱100 to ₱250, ahead of the next Congress.
Senator JV Ejercito proposed the highest wage hike so far, seeking a ₱250 daily increase. Senator Risa Hontiveros filed her own version calling for a ₱200 hike.
Meanwhile, Senator Jinggoy Estrada plans to refile his ₱100 wage hike proposal. The bill had previously passed the Senate on third and final reading but failed to reach the bicameral conference stage before the session ended.
As of now, the offices of Senators Ejercito, Hontiveros, and Estrada have yet to submit full documentation on the scope and details of their respective proposals.
Without the complete drafts, it remains unclear how each version will affect different regions or sectors of the workforce, or how the wage increases will be funded or implemented.
The push for a wage hike comes amid growing public calls for relief from inflation and rising costs of living. Lawmakers are expected to further debate the proposals when the new Congress resumes session.
Labor groups are closely watching developments as they continue to demand a nationwide wage adjustment, especially for minimum wage earners outside Metro Manila.
The bills are still in early stages, with no consolidated version yet scheduled for committee hearings.
