Manila, Jan. 30 -- The House Committee on Labor and Employment on Thursday approved a substitute bill mandating a PHP200 daily across-the-board wage increase for private sector workers.

During the hearing, the panel, chaired by Rizal 2nd District Rep. Juan Fidel Nograles, approved the substitute bill to House Bills No. 514, 7568, and 7871.

The measure requires all private businesses, regardless of size and industry, to implement a PHP200 daily pay hike upon enactment.

It prohibits employers from offsetting the increase with previous wage adjustments unless explicitly anticipated under collective bargaining agreements.

Existing benefits and allowances cannot be reduced to accommodate the pay raise.

The Department of Labor and Employme...