Magsaysay joins calls for wage increase for workers nationwide

Amid the irrevocable implementation of the 12 percent VAT on toll starting today, October 1, Zambales Rep. Ma. Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay joined progressive lawmakers in calling on the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to reassess the feasibility of a wage increase for workers to able to cope with inflation and skyrocketing prices of goods.

According to Magsaysay, even a recent report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) indicated that wages in the country have been stagnant compared to our Asian neighbors.

“Compounding this issue is the incessant increases in the prices of basic commodities, and expenses such fares and the worst being the high prices of petroleum products which cause a ripple effect on goods and transport, which is exacerbated by the 12 percent VAT on toll and the impending increase in MRT and LRT fares,” Magsaysay said.

Militant lawmakers have been calling for a legislated P125 across-the-board wage hike.

Magsaysay made the call as she noted the government had continuously refused to give a reprieve to motorists and commuters who will be affected by the 12 percent VAT on toll.

“The government claims the toll rate hike will not have a major impact on their expenses but what is the basis of this statement?” Magsaysay said. “Do they know how important P10-P20 is for the ordinary worker or motorist? For the minimum increase in toll, it would result in at least P600 in additional expenses that would be deducted from their income.”

Magsaysay said the laborers have long been asking for a reasonable raise in their wages as she stressed “what they are asking for is really not that unreasonable.”

“The government keeps on citing a growth in our economy but, so far, it has not been felt by the regular Filipinos,” Magsaysay said.

“This is actually not the right time to impose an additional tax on Filipinos who are already reeling from the oil crisis and the recent disaster affecting Northern Luzon, but since the government could no longer be swayed on its decision to slap this new burden, then perhaps, it needs to be open to the idea of helping the Filipinos cope with this new expense.” Charlie V. Manalo, Daily Tribune