Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez on Wednesday said the proposed regional wage hike is “dangerous” for the economy because companies may be forced to lay off their employees to cut labor costs.
This wage hike may also have a negative impact on the prices of basic commodities in the market, he added.
“Medyo dangerous po ‘yon,” Mr. Lopez said in a press briefing at the Palace. “Kung i-pwersa natin yung malaking increase, baka mabawasan ang employment.”
The official likewise noted that if there is going to be an increase in workers’ wages, it should be “minimal only”.
“Kung ako tatanungin, sana wala na lang,” he said. “Mandated wage hike is dangerous. ‘Di lahat wage earners. Kung tataas ang wages, tataas ang presyo ng mga bilihin. ‘Di lang wage earners ang tatamaan kundi lahat.”
According to Mr. Lopez, the better way to increase workers’ wages is through “skills training”, making workers more competitive in the labor market.
“Panawagan ko sa labor, gawing kooperatiba lahat ng actions natin,” Mr. Lopez said. “Para mas maraming investors, wag nating takutin ang investors. At pakita natin may industrial peace. Ang mga Pilipino willing magtrabaho, masipag, magagaling, gusto pang mag training, kasi yun po ang importante eh. Generation of jobs at magtraining tayo bawat isa. Para marketable tayo bawat isa. Doon tataas ang sweldo natin.”  — Arjay L. Balinbin

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