₱200 Wage Hike in the Philippines: A Drop in the Bucket Amidst Rising Inflation

The Philippines recently approved a ₱200 daily wage increase, a move lauded by many minimum wage earners. However, the increase is overshadowed by rising inflation, particularly in food prices, which reached 0.7% in May 2025. "Even with the raise, prices are still too high," laments Juana, a single mother of four featured in the News5 Frontline Tonight report. She works as a security guard and struggles to provide for her family despite the wage hike. The report also includes analysis from economists and government officials, highlighting the complexity of balancing wage increases with inflation control. While the wage hike is a step in the right direction, the ongoing struggle of many Filipinos to afford basic necessities underscores the need for comprehensive economic solutions.