THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) yesterday reminded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that aside from soldiers, ordinary workers also deserve a P200 pay increase.
In a statement, TUCP said that while the adde pay is a welcome development for soldiers, the Marcos administration should not forget ordinary workers.
“If President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. can raise the daily subsistence allowance for military personnel by P200, then the President can and must sign into law the P200 daily minimum wage increase,” said TUCP.
“The workers of this country cannot wait and suffer any longer,” it added.
Earlier, Malacañang announced that Marcos has raised the daily subsistence allowance of all officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces from P150 to P350.
Under Executive Order (EO) No. 84, the P200 increase will be given retroactively beginning January 1, 2025.
The House of Representatives has approved on second reading House Bill No. 11376, which mandates a P200 daily wage hike.
Back in March 2024, the Senate approved a P100 legislated daily minimum wage hike for private sector workers.
TUCP also said workers are in dire need of the wage hike amid the increasing prices in water and power as well as fares for trains, jeepneys, and buses.
“Everything is increasing except the wage. It is about time,” said TUCP.