By Rachel Magday

 

Nueva Vizcaya Lone District Representative Atty. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton has voiced his strong support for House Bill 8081, the National Minimum Wage Act, which seeks to replace the current regional and provincial wage system with a single national minimum wage for all Filipino workers.

He made the declaration amid renewed calls to raise pay after successive increases in petroleum prices, which have triggered a domino effect of higher transport and goods costs across the economy.

“Workers performing the same tasks should receive the same pay, regardless of where they live,” Rep. Cayton said. “It is unfair that provincial workers earn substantially less than those in Metro Manila despite equal effort and value in their labor.”

Cayton highlighted the wage gap between regions as a driving reason for the reform. In Nueva Vizcaya the provincial minimum wage is approximately ₱500 per day, compared with ₱695 per day in the National Capital Region. Under HB 8081, the initial national minimum would be anchored to the region with the highest current wage—currently Metro Manila—establishing a uniform wage floor nationwide.

“HB 8081 is one of the most significant labor reforms in recent years,” Cayton said.

“Closing the gap in provincial wages sends a clear message that development should not be limited to major cities. Growth must be shared by every Filipino worker, wherever they are”.

Beyond wages, Cayton framed the proposal as a matter of dignity and inclusive growth. “Equal pay for equal work recognizes the worth of Filipino labor and uplifts communities outside the cities. Increasing the minimum wage will boost purchasing power, helping families and strengthening local businesses,” he said.

Rep. Cayton called on fellow lawmakers and stakeholders to prioritize the measure so that the benefits of economic growth reach workers in every province. The bill is currently pending in the House of Representatives.