The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) calls on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Economic Planning and Development (DepDev) to protect and defend workers with minimum wage.

Under House Resolution No. 1291 filed by the group, the three agencies were urged to uphold the legality of NCR Wage Order No. 27, which grants the P85 wage increase for minimum wage earners in Metro Manila, and to ensure that all Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards continue conducting regular reviews and adjustments of minimum wages nationwide.

According to TUCP Spokesperson Carlos Oñate, protecting workers is crucial amid reports that other employers are allegedly planning to report to the court.

“Meron na kaming mga balita na may iba't ibang mga employers na nagpa-file na ngayon sa RTC, sa iba't ibang RTC ng temporary restraining order, declaratory relief  sa iba ating mga regional trial courts,” he said

[“We have received reports that various employers are currently filing for temporary restraining orders in the RTC, declaratory relief in different regional trial courts.”]

Meanwhile, six pro-worker legislative measures were also filed in the House of Representatives:

• Job Posting Niyo, Ayusin Niyo Act
• Benepisyo Ko, Hulugan Mo Act
• Kontrata Ko, Ibigay Mo Act
• Batas Manggagawa Act
• Labor Case Prescription Extension Act
• Wage Transparency and Payslip Act

According to Kamanggagawa Party-list Rep. Eli San Fernando, the proposed bills were formed based on the complaints raised by workers.

“Ito ay bunga ng napakaraming sumbong ng mga manggagawa na hindi pinapatupad sa kanilang mga companies o kung saan sila nagtatrabaho. So with the aim na ma-correct itong mga seemingly small pero malaki ang impact sa buhay ng mga kamanggagawa natin,” he said

[“These measures stem from numerous complaints from workers regarding policies or rights not being implemented in their workplaces. The goal is to address these seemingly small issues that actually carry a huge impact on the lives of our fellow workers.”]

The lawmaker expressed hope that despite their simple proposal, Congress will prioritize these bills for the benefit of the nation’s labor force.