DOLE not opposing wage hike law

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said it is neither opposing nor pushing for the passage of the wage hike law.

In an interview with reporters at the Jobstreet Career Con 2025 in Pasay, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma maintained that their mandate is only to execute the law.

"I want to emphasize that it isn't DOLE's job to give reaction to our lawmakers' proposals, and if there are nuances or circumstances, then we will be there to assist," Laguesma said in Filipino.

"We are not against it. We only give scenarios about that," he added.

Last week, Speaker Martin Romualdez said the House of Representatives will push for the passage of a bill granting a P200 daily across-the-board wage increase for private sector workers.

The measure requires all private businesses, regardless of size and industry, to implement a P200 daily pay upon enactment.

Employers violating the law would face fines ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 or imprisonment of up to four years.