Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is not against the proposed increase in the salary of minimum wage earners in the private sector but will not dictate the Congress, Malaca±ang said on Friday. This statement comes amid claims from the Kabataan Party-list that Marcos is the 'real killer' of the legislative measure seeking a wage hike for private workers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro addressed these claims by asserting that President Marcos Jr. is not a dictator, indicating that the decision on the wage hike should be left to Congress. Castro emphasized that the President is not opposed to the wage increase, recognizing its benefits for workers. She pointed out that the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards are continuously examining the feasibility of raising salaries in various regions.

Castro noted the ongoing process, explaining that the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board annually reviews and implements salary increases in different regions. This process ensures that the wages of workers are evaluated and adjusted as needed.

The proposed wage hike for private sector workers faced delays after the 19th Congress adjourned without a reconciled version from both the Senate and the House of Representatives. During the 123rd Labor Day celebration at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, President Marcos highlighted the importance of thoroughly studying the proposal, considering its potential impact on the Philippine economy, businesses, and the labor sector.

Despite the pending legislation, Marcos acknowledged that 16 regions in the Philippines have already implemented wage increases since June 2024. However, a joint position paper submitted to Marcos by the country's economic managers warned of the 'dangerous' repercussions of a proposed across-the-board minimum wage hike in the private sector, cautioning that such a move could harm the economy, raise inflation, and affect employment.