Wage hike tragedy: Senators-Congressmen clash while workers suffer

The recent debacle surrounding the proposed wage hikes is nothing short of a tragedy, highlighting the utter failure of our legislators to prioritize the needs of the very workers they claim to represent. The 19th Congress had a unique opportunity to revive the only legislated basic wage established 36 years ago under President Cory Aquino’s RA 6727, which set a meager P89 across all 17 regions. Instead, we witnessed a disgraceful clash between the Senate and the House of Representatives, with the Senate proposing a paltry P100 wage hike and the House advocating for a more substantial P200 increase. Both proposals were ultimately killed, leaving workers to suffer the consequences of this political drama.

The facts are clear: the House passed its P200 wage hike on June 4, on time as agreed, yet the Senate refused to convene a bicameral conference committee to reconcile the differences. Instead, Senate Labor Chair Joel Villanueva suggested the House simply adopt the Senate’s lower P100 proposal, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the needs of laborers. The Senate’s failure to prioritize this crucial issue is a betrayal of their responsibility to the people.

Senate President Chiz Escudero’s January promise to collaborate with the House were nothing more than empty words. As the clock ticked down to the end of the Congress, the Senate’s agenda conspicuously omitted any mention of the wage hike, while blame-shifting became the order of the day. House spokesperson Princess Abante aptly summarized the situation: “This is not a shortcoming of the House. We did our job, but the Senate left the workers hanging.” 

The accusations flew back and forth, with senators accusing the House of sabotaging their proposal and House members lamenting the Senate’s refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue. This blame culture is not just a distraction. It  is a direct affront to the workers who desperately need a wage increase to survive in an increasingly expensive world.

The reality is that our legislators have failed to grasp the urgency of the situation. Workers have endured stagnant wages for far too long, with the purchasing power of their salaries plummeting by an average of 28% when adjusted for inflation. The minimum wage is grossly inadequate, and proposals for a daily wage of P750 are not just reasonable- they  are necessary for survival. 

This ongoing saga is a glaring indictment of our legislative system, where the needs of the people are routinely overshadowed by political posturing and self-interest. The failure to reach a consensus on even a modest wage increase is not merely a bureaucratic oversight; it is a moral failing that reflects a profound disconnect between our lawmakers and the realities faced by ordinary Filipinos. 

The current minimum wage is not just an economic statistic; it represents the daily struggles of countless families trying to make ends meet. With inflation soaring and the cost-of-living skyrocketing, the inability of our legislators to agree on a wage hike is tantamount to a betrayal of the working class. It is a stark reminder that, for many in power, the plight of the laborer is an afterthought, a mere talking point rather than a pressing concern. 

Moreover, the failure to convene a bicameral conference committee to reconcile the two proposals is a glaring failure of Senate leadership. Instead of working collaboratively to find a solution that benefits the workers, our legislators have chosen to dig in their heels, prioritizing their egos over the welfare of the people. This is not just a political failure; it is a moral one. 

There will be a time for reckoning. These senators who killed the bicameral conference committee on wage hike will be held accountable for their inaction and their failure to prioritize the needs of the working class. They will understand that their decisions have real-world consequences, affecting the lives of millions of Filipinos who rely on fair wages to survive. 

These elected national officials do not deserve respect because they do not fight for the workers rights and fair wages and instead feast on political gamesmanship. The call for a wage hike is not just a demand for more money; it is a demand for dignity, respect, and recognition of the hard work that sustains our economy. 

In conclusion, the tragic failure to secure a wage increase reflects a broader systemic issue of the 24-man Senate and our legislative framework. The workers are not just numbers; they are the backbone of our society, and they deserve to be treated as such. Let us not allow this moment to pass without demanding accountability and change. The fight for fair wages is far from over, and it is a fight that we must all engage in for the sake of our future and the dignity of every worker in this nation.

QC Mayor Joy Belmonte- the Lara Croft of LGU governance

Congratulations to Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte as she embarks on her final three-year term, celebrating yet another remarkable achievement! For the fifth consecutive year, she has received the prestigious Unmodified Opinion rating from the Commission on Audit (COA). This esteemed rating signifies that the city’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with the highest standards of financial reporting, reflecting a commitment to excellence.

Mayor Belmonte expressed her gratitude, stating that this assessment underscores the city’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and sound fiscal governance. “This recognition is not just about numbers – it’s about trust. It affirms that we are managing public funds with integrity and always with the welfare of Citizens in mind. It’s a testament to our team’s dedication to honest, transparent, and efficient governance,” she shared.

Securing her final term with a landslide victory, Mayor Belmonte garnered over 1,030,730 votes, representing an impressive 71% of the total votes in the recent May elections. Her leadership has truly resonated with the community, showcasing her commitment to the people of Quezon City.

In addition to her electoral success, Mayor Belmonte has been recognized as a Regional Awardee of the Civil Service Commission’s Presidential Lingkod-Bayan Award for the 2025 Search for Outstanding Government Workers (her third time). She was also honored as a “Person of Sincere Anti-Corruption Integrity” by the Anti-Corruption Civil Movement General Federation (ACCMGF).

Within the city, Mayor Joy is seen as a reformist, akin to Lara Croft, diligently working to rebuild Quezon City’s future. Under her principled leadership, the city continues to transform, and her vision for progress is clear to its citizens. She is reshaping not only the local government but also the very ideals of public service.

Congratulations, Mayor Joy Belmonte! Your dedication and vision inspire us all!