The Council for People’s Development and Governance (CPDG) supports the call of Filipino workers in for a national P1,200.00 living wage amid the rising cost of living and persistent poverty of the millions of Filipino workers and their families.
According to IBON foundation, the average nominal minimum wage across the country’s 17 regions is only Php 470.00, that is Php 755.00 short of the estimated Php 1,225.00 estimated living wage. This highlights the concerns of workers, as the cost of living continues to rise with unabated inflation. In the National Capital Region (NCR), the Php 645.00 minimum wage only covers 53% of expenses of a family of five for their basic needs.
The UN Commission on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR) reiterates the validity of the clamor for a national living wage in their concluding observations on their review of the Philippines compliance to the International Convention on ESCR last March 2025. The CESCR review revealed that the minimum wage rates fall way below the 2018 poverty threshold. It noted that the Philippine government has not yet taken steps necessary in ensuring that wages are regularly adjusted vis a vis the cost of living; and, to reinforce employer’s compliance with minimum wages.
So far, the only legislated national wage proposal came in the form of House Bill 11376 that grants a Php 200.00 minimum wage hike that has passed second reading at the House of Representatives. There have been no updates on the status of the bill since February, 2025.
The UN CESCR is giving the Philippine government 24 months or two years to address among others persistent poverty and the legislation of a national living wage. “But workers cannot wait for two more years, our call is urgent. The continuing denial of a national living wage is a gross violation of the human rights of millions of Filipinos,” asserts Rochelle Porras, International Department Head of the Ecumenical Institute for Labor Education and Research and CPDG Vice President.
“In a country where millions labor to survive, demanding a living wage is a fight to break the cycle of poverty and a fight for justice and dignity.” ends Porras.
