Considering how small the pay hike was for workers in Metro Manila, Quezon City Rep. Winnie Castelo has called on employers to release their 13th month pay and bonuses as early as possible.
By doing so, Castelo said workers can already buy their needs for Christmas like food and gifts while prices are not yet expensive.
“Businesses usually jack up their prices when Christmas gets near to take advantage of the rush. Let’s save our workers from this inconvenience by giving their benefits and bonuses, if there’s any, in advance,” Castelo, chairman of the Committee on Metro Manila Development, said.
“Let’s save our workers from this inconvenience by giving their benefits and bonuses, if there’s any, in advance.”
Castelo noted that while there are companies that are generous, many are still waiting for December before giving their workers’ financial benefits.
“I hope these can sympathize for the current plight of our workers who are reeling from the effects of inflation on their families,” he said.
The lawmaker lamented that the workers got only a P25-increase on their wages, from 512 to P537 a day. “What can that amount buy for them especially this Christmas?” he said.
Castelo agreed with other lawmakers that another round of pay increase is necessary to make the pay adjustment fair and reasonable.
“The rising inflation has already reduced so much the purchasing power of Filipino workers. They need a reprieve in the form of higher pay,” he said.
“The rising inflation has already reduced so much the purchasing power of Filipino workers.”
