SENATE President Pro-Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” P. Estrada, Jr. on Sunday urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to fix wage issues and state efforts to assert Philippine sovereignty in the South China Sea in his address to Congress on Monday.
“Given that workers’ wages are not enough to keep pace with the rapid increase in the prices of goods, I want to hear from the President about the government’s programs that will protect workers and our economy,” he said in a statement in Filipino.
Earlier this month, the Metro Manila Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) approved a P35 minimum wage hike for workers in the National Capital Region.
Senators and labor groups have called it a paltry increase that won’t help workers deal with spiraling prices.
“I also hope to hear about the government’s intensified efforts to defend our sovereignty and rights over our territory, particularly regarding the West Philippine Sea,” Mr. Estrada said. “It is crucial to maintain peace and order in the region while asserting our interests.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez
