Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___ 
Introduced by Representatives Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, 
Andrew Julian K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR A TWO HUNDRED PESOS (P200.00) DAILY WAGE 
INCREASE FOR MINIMUM WAGE WORKERS IN THE PRIVATE 
SECTOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 3, Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution provides that: "The State 
shall afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and 
unorganized, and promote full employment and equality of employment 
opportunities for all. It shall guarantee the rights of all workers to...a living 
wage..." 
Despite this constitutional mandate, the current minimum wage remains 
insufficient to meet the daily needs of ordinary Filipino workers and their 
families. Rising inflation, increasing costs of basic goods and services, 
transportation, housing, and healthcare steadily reduce the purchasing power of 
the minimum wage. As of recent reports, many minimum wage earners struggle 
to make ends meet, often forced to work multiple jobs or fall into debt to cover 
basic necessities. 
While the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) 
are mandated to review and adjust wages regionally, increases granted through 
this process are often minimal and delayed. Moreover, the cost of living in many 
August 4, 2025
5:00 pm
2987


2 
regions already far exceeds the current minimum wage levels, leaving a 
significant gap between workers' income and their actual needs. 
This proposed measure seeks to grant a P200.00 daily wage increase for all 
minimum wage earners in the private sector across the country. It is a direct and 
immediate response to the long-standing call of workers for a wage that reflects 
the true cost of living and recognizes their vital contribution to the nation’s 
economy. 
By mandating a legislated wage increase, this bill aims to uplift the 
standard of living of Filipino workers, reduce income inequality, stimulate 
domestic consumption, and promote social justice which are aligned with 
principles enshrined in the Constitution and the country’s labor laws. 
This measure was also filed during the 19th Congress and was primarily 
referred to the Committee on Labor and Employment, where it was approved on 
third and final reading by the House of Representatives. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought. 
YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ 
ANDREW JULIAN K. ROMUALDEZ 
  JUDE A. ACIDRE 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___ 
Introduced by Representatives Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, 
Andrew Julian K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR A TWO HUNDRED PESOS (P200.00) DAILY WAGE 
INCREASE FOR MINIMUM WAGE WORKERS IN THE PRIVATE 
SECTOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Wage Hike For 
Minimum Wage Workers Act”. 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is a policy of the State to alleviate the living 
conditions of the ordinary Filipino through policies that provide for a decent and 
humane standard of living and improved quality of life, particularly of the 
working class by ensuring the right of labor to its just share in the fruits of 
production, to guarantee the workers’ right to a living wage, and to promote social 
2987


2 
 
justice through the adoption of measures calculated to ensure the well-being and 
economic security of all the members of the community. 
 
SEC. 3. Minimum Wage Increase. – Upon the effectivity of this Act, the daily 
rate of all minimum wage workers in the private sector, regardless of employment 
status, including those in contractual and sub-contractual arrangements, whether 
agricultural or nonagricultural, shall be increased by Two Hundred Pesos 
(P200.00) per day. 
 
Nothing in this Act shall prevent the respective Regional Tripartite Wages 
and Productivity Boards from granting additional increases to the workers and 
employees, as may be determined in accordance with their mandate under 
Republic Act No. 6727, otherwise known as the “Wage Rationalization Act”, as 
amended. 
 
SEC. 4. Incentives to Small Enterprises. – To assist in their compliance with the 
wage increase, small enterprises may avail of incentives from the Department of 
Labor and Employment (DOLE), subject to the implementing rules and 
regulations of this Act.  
 
SEC. 5. Non-diminution of Other Benefits. – Nothing in this Act shall be 
construed to reduce any existing allowance and benefit of any form under existing 
laws, decrees, issuances, executive orders, and any contract or agreement 
between workers and employers. 
 
SEC. 6. Existing Exemptions. – As provided by Republic Act No. 9178, also 
known as the “Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE’s) Act of 2002,” the 
BMBEs shall be exempt from the coverage of the Minimum Wage Law. Further, 


3 
 
as provided by Republic Act No. 6727, also known as the “Wage Rationalization 
Act,” and relevant rules of the National Wages and Productivity Commission, the 
following establishments may apply for exemption from compliance with the 
minimum wage increase as provided by this Act: (a) retail or service 
establishments regularly employing not more than ten (10) workers; and (b) 
establishments adversely affected by natural calamities or human-induced 
disasters. 
 
SEC. 7. Penalties. – Any person, corporation, trust, firm, partnership, 
association, or entity violating any provision of this Act shall be punished by a 
fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) nor more than 
Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than two 
years nor more than four years, or both at the discretion of the Court: Provided, 
That if the violation is committed by a corporation, trust or firm, association or 
any other entity, the penalty of imprisonment shall be imposed upon the entity's 
responsible officers including the president, vice president, chief executive 
officer, general manager, managing director or partner. 
 
The employer concerned shall be ordered to pay an amount equivalent to 
double the unpaid benefits owing to the employees: Provided, That the payment 
of indemnity shall not absolve the employer from the criminal liability imposable 
under this Act: Provided, further, That any person convicted under this Act shall 
not be entitled to the benefits provided for under the Probation Law.  
 
SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the DOLE shall, in coordination with other relevant 
government agencies, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the 
effective implementation of this Act. 


4 
 
SEC. 9. Separability Clause. – If any provision or part of this Act is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions or parts of this act shall 
remain in full force and effect, and the application of such provision to other 
persons or circumstances shall not be affected. 
 
SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. – All laws, orders, issuances, rules, and regulations 
or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, 
amended, or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 11. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,