As an ordinary Filipino employess, I’ve always wondered bakit hindi pantay-pantay ang minimum wage sa Pinas? That’s why I felt hopeful when I learned that Rep. Eli San Fernando of Kamanggagawa Party-list filed a bill on equal wages nationwide on his first day in Congress.

This bill aims to establish a uniform minimum wage across the Philippines, doing away with the outdated provincial wage system. Right now, workers in Metro Manila can earn up to ₱645/day, while some provinces only get around ₱350. Ang layo, ‘di ba? And yet, we all deal with rising prices, whether in the city or province.

According to Rep. Eli San Fernando, this proposed law would help ensure a national minimum wage that’s based on the actual cost of living. It’s about time, kasi hindi sapat ang kinikita ng karamihan sa atin for daily needs, let alone savings or emergencies.

Labor groups are showing full support, and honestly, so am I. Of course, there are some concerns from businesses, but kayang pag-usapan ‘yan. What matters is we’re finally talking about fair pay, no matter where you live.

Source: NewswatchPlus: San Fernando files equal wage bill