The House of Representatives began discussions on a proposed law aiming to eliminate provincial minimum wage rates and establish a uniform National Minimum Wage, RH Milky Rigonan reported.

According to House Committee on Labor and Employment Chairperson and Cavite 1st District Representative Jolo Revilla, the move is long overdue.

He added that this is a necessary step to correct the longstanding inequality caused by provincial wage classifications, even when workers perform the same jobs.

"Ang layunin natin ay malinaw magkaroon ng isang makatuwiran at makatarungan at iisang minimum wage system na hindi nakabatay sa kung saan ka nakatira kung hindi sa halaga ng trabaho mo bilang isang Pilipino," he said.

The measure seeks to ensure fair compensation for all workers, regardless of where they live or work across the country.

The committee plans to consolidate five House bills to abolish provincial wage tiers and dissolve the Regional Wage Boards.

Under the proposed legislation, the National Wages and Productivity Commission would set the National Minimum Wage, which must not be lower than the current rate in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Implementation will occur in three phases, with microenterprises exempted in compliance with the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises Act.