Press Release - Bong Go stresses indigent Filipinos would significantly benefit if the P100 Minimum Wage Increase Bill is passed into law

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, co-author and co-sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2534, which aims to raise the daily minimum wage by P100 across the country, stressed that the increase would benefit the poor and the hungry amid the rising prices of goods.

In an ambush interview on Wednesday, February 21, after attending the celebrations of the 104th Founding Anniversary of Marinduque, Go explained that the bill which was passed on third and final reading in the Senate early this week, still remains a proposal until it is passed by the lower house and approved by the President.

Go expressed hopes that fellow lawmakers and the government as a whole would support the measure to help uplift the plight of the poor. He also called on wealthier segments of society to support the measure to assist ordinary workers, particularly those living in precarious financial situations.

"Ako naman, kung magiging batas po ito, nananawagan po ako sa mga mayayaman. Kung hindi naman po kayo malulugi, ipamahagi n'yo naman po ang kaunting tulong sa inyong kita dahil ang makikinabang dito ay 'yung mga isang kahig isang tuka, 'yung mga kababayan nating bawat piso ay napakahalaga sa kanila," urged Go.

"Laman po ng tiyan ng bawat Pilipino 'yan. Sikapin nating walang magutom," he added.

Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Labor and Employment as well as the Committee on Social Justice, mentioned that the P100 wage hike would help workers cope with current economic conditions and the increasing cost of living due to various factors such as inflation.

The senator emphasized the critical need to find a middle ground that supports both businesses and their employees amidst the nation's economic challenges.

"Kaya I'm appealing, we have to strike a balance between businesses and employees. But, sa pagtataas ng presyo ng bilihin sa ngayon, bawat piso, bawat sentimo ay napakahalaga po sa ordinaryong workers natin. So, ibigay po natin sa kanila ang nararapat para mabuhay ng matiwasay," he urged.

While pushing for the proposed wage hike, Go also clarified that government must continue to support employers especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises that provide employment opportunities to