₱200 Wage Hike in Philippines: Insufficient Relief Amidst Soaring Food Prices

June 6th, 2025 - Manila, Philippines. A recent ₱200 daily wage increase, while a step in the right direction, has proven insufficient to alleviate the financial strain on many Filipino workers. The rising cost of food is a major concern, as highlighted by Joanna Labaday, a single mother of four who works as a security guard. "If there's no food, people will suffer, especially your children who are always hungry," she lamented, wiping away tears. The report also cited data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showing a food inflation rate of 0.7% in May 2025. This, coupled with the perspective of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which points to potential negative impacts on small businesses due to increased labor costs, paints a complex picture of the economic situation. The Palace is currently studying the wage hike's overall impact, promising to find solutions that benefit Filipino workers.