MANILA, Philippines—Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada welcomed the P50 wage hike granted to minimum wage earners in Metro Manila, but maintained that workers deserve more amid the rising cost of living.

Estrada said the current minimum wage in the private sector—which ranges from P361 to P645 across regions—is not enough to support even a small family.

“The ₱50 increase granted by the NCR Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) is a welcome development, as any adjustment to workers’ daily pay is timely and truly necessary to help keep up with the rising cost of living. However, I believe our kababayans deserve more than that,” Estrada said.

The senator noted that based on consultations during Senate hearings on the proposed legislated wage increase, the most feasible adjustment—balancing both worker and business welfare—is a ₱100 daily pay hike for around 4.2 million wage earners nationwide.

“Para sa mga ordinaryong manggagawa na pilit na binubuhay ang kanilang pamilya araw-araw, makakatulong ang taas-sahod para tustusan ang pambili nila ng bigas, ulam at pamasahe,” he added.

Estrada said he will refile in the 20th Congress the bill proposing a ₱100 legislated daily wage hike, which had already passed on third and final reading in the Senate during the 19th Congress.