House to study proposal on mandatory profit-sharing
By Paolo Romero (The Philippine Star) Updated March 20, 2012 12:00 AM Comments (2) View comments
MANILA, Philippines - A proposal to make profit sharing mandatory in large firms to improve the lives of workers is under study at the House of Representatives.
Northern Samar Rep. Emil Ong, committee on labor and employment chairman, yesterday said Congress must look into distribution of wealth as many are complaining that only employers are getting rich.
“Because of this, we are seriously considering to enact a law on profit sharing, and this is what the employers don’t want because their books would be opened because it would be the basis for profit sharing,” he said.
“But this (profit sharing) is good for the government also because it can ensure that the correct taxes are paid.
“If the employees are well-compensated, they’ll work more seriously and won’t be lazy and won’t ask wage increases every year.”
Meanwhile, Ong said he is optimistic the committee will approve a consolidated bill for a higher minimum wage this May.
“We would have wanted to approve the bill on May 1 (Labor Day), but our schedules were tight and there’s this impeachment trial,” he said.
Ong said before Congress adjourns sine die in June, the legislated wage bill would be on the floor for approval.
“We held many hearings all over the country and both sides (labor and business) have no objections, though the labor groups want to make wages in the provinces at par with Metro Manila since the price of cooking gas, rice are the same anyway,” he said.
Ong said two leading proposals were made on legislated wage hike: One seeks a P125 increase, while the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines is pushing for a P90 hike.
“I’m 100 percent optimistic that the committee will approve a wage hike bill this May,” he said.
“For the committee, we have no problems with that, I just hope there won’t be any opposition in the plenary.”
The committee held hearings in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao “to know the different situations,” Ong said.