Lawmaker to refile wage hike bill in 20th Congress

MANILA, Philippines — Cavite 1st District Rep. Jolo Revilla yesterday said he would immediately refile the proposed legislated wage hike bill at the opening of the 20th Congress, following the failure of the Senate to come up with a consolidated version with the House of Representatives before the 19th Congress adjourned.

In a statement, Revilla lamented the lost opportunity to provide much-needed relief to millions of Filipino workers, calling it a “painful setback” in the fight for economic justice.

“Our workers have waited long enough. They’ve sacrificed, endured and carried our economy through crises. It’s time government meets them halfway – with action, not just empty praise,” he said.

Revilla is one of the authors of House Bill No. 7871, which called for a P150 across-the-board increase in daily wages for all private sector workers nationwide.

This measure was later consolidated into a bill proposing a P200 wage hike, which was approved by the House in March but stalled after the Senate failed to convene a bicameral panel before its sine die adjournment.

Revilla said this legislative delay represents a “missed opportunity to deliver meaningful wage reform,” particularly as workers continue to face rising costs of food, utilities and transportation.

“Wage reform is not a handout. It’s an investment in our workforce. If we want real inclusive growth, we need to put more money in the hands of those who keep the economy moving – our workers,” Revilla said.

He also acknowledged the concerns of micro, small and medium enterprises, but said these should be addressed through complementary measures such as wage subsidies, tax relief or credit support programs, not by withholding relief from workers.

“We must stop pitting workers against small businesses. Government has a responsibility to support both,” Revilla said.

Revilla called on both chambers of Congress to prepare a unified, consultative bill in the 20th Congress and to prioritize bicameral alignment from the outset to avoid another collapse in coordination.