Malacañang is deferring to the regional wage boards the issue of salary adjustments despite growing calls for a legislated wage hike due to rising transport costs.
This, after the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. to certify as urgent a proposed ₱200 wage increase, citing fare hikes for trains, jeepneys, and buses.
According to TUCP, workers are burdened by multiple transport fare increases, yet the wage hike proposal is being delayed indefinitely.
TUCP president Raymond Mendoza criticized Congress for scheduling wage discussions in June, leaving only six days to pass the bill.
In response, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos has instructed all 16 regional wage boards to review workers’ salaries.
“Some regions have already increased wages, and reviews are ongoing,” Castro said.
Meanwhile, the Light Rail Transit Line-1 (LRT-1) fare increased yesterday, with the minimum fare rising from ₱15 to ₱20 and the maximum fare from ₱45 to ₱55 for a single-journey ticket.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is also set to decide on pending petitions for a ₱2 increase in jeepney fares and ₱2 fare hikes for both city and provincial buses.
Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate criticized the administration for pushing through with the LRT-1 fare hike despite economic hardships.
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