Minimum wage bills hearing backed by Solons, but law may not pass in time.

Minimum wage bills hearing backed by Solons, but law may not pass in time

The issue of minimum wage has been a hot topic in the Philippines for years. With the rising cost of living and the increasing number of people living below the poverty line, many lawmakers have been pushing for an increase in the minimum wage. Recently, a hearing was held to discuss several bills that aim to raise the minimum wage. While the hearing was backed by solons, there is a possibility that the law may not pass in time.

The hearing was held by the House Committee on Labor and Employment, which is chaired by Rep. Enrico Pineda. The committee discussed several bills that aim to increase the minimum wage, including House Bill No. 345, which seeks to raise the minimum wage to Php 750 per day. The current minimum wage in the Philippines is Php 537 per day.

During the hearing, several lawmakers expressed their support for the bills. Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza, for instance, said that the current minimum wage is not enough to cover the basic needs of workers and their families. He added that an increase in the minimum wage would help reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of workers.

However, there are concerns that the law may not pass in time. The current Congress only has until June 2022 to pass laws, as the next elections will be held in May of that year. This means that there is a limited amount of time for lawmakers to pass the minimum wage bills.

Moreover, there are also concerns about the economic impact of a minimum wage increase. Some business groups have warned that an increase in the minimum wage could lead to higher prices and job losses. They argue that businesses may not be able to afford to pay higher wages, which could lead to layoffs and closures.

Despite these concerns, many lawmakers remain optimistic that the minimum wage bills will be passed. Rep. Pineda, for instance, said that the committee will continue to work on the bills and ensure that they are passed before the end of the current Congress.

In conclusion, the issue of minimum wage remains a contentious issue in the Philippines. While the recent hearing was backed by solons, there is a possibility that the law may not pass in time. Nevertheless, many lawmakers remain committed to passing the bills and improving the lives of workers in the country. It remains to be seen whether the bills will be passed before the end of the current Congress.