A Facebook post by the United Private Hospital Unions of the Philippines (UPHUP) claims that Rep. Marlo Bancoro of Zamboanga Sibugay opposes wage increases, particularly the abolition of the provincial minimum wage rate, and that he is siding with business interests over workers.
Rating: MISLEADING
The facts
Rep. Marlo Bancoro has publicly clarified his position — and it is more nuanced than the post suggests.
In response to the viral post, Bancoro said he is not against increasing workers’ wages. However, he opposes setting a uniform national minimum wage that would make provincial wages equal to Metro Manila’s rates.
“I am not against salary increases. But we cannot make wages the same in Manila and in the provinces because the cost of living is different in every area,” Bancoro said.
He warned that imposing Metro Manila-level wages nationwide could lead to business closures, job losses, and reduced investment in the provinces.
“If we match Manila’s wages here, investors might avoid our provinces, and local business owners might close their businesses. That means people will lose their jobs,” he said.
Bancoro also cited schools as an example, saying steep wage hikes could force tuition increases, potentially leading to student dropouts and school closures.
Why the claim is misleading
The UPHUP post frames Bancoro as being “against wage increases” outright, but his actual position — based on his own statements — is against abolishing the provincial wage system, not against wage hikes per se.
Key distinction:
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❌ The post implies Bancoro opposes higher pay for workers
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✅ Bancoro says he supports wage increases as long as they reflect local cost of living and economic conditions
This distinction is crucial, especially in policy debates where regional wage setting versus national wage standardization is the core issue.
Context: Provincial wage rates
The Philippines uses a regional wage system set by Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs), recognizing that cost of living, business capacity, and local employment conditions vary widely across regions.
Labor groups and party-list lawmakers like Kamanggagawa are pushing to abolish provincial wage rates, arguing they perpetuate inequality and keep provincial workers poor.
Bancoro’s position aligns with lawmakers who argue that uniform wages may unintentionally harm provincial economies, even as labor groups insist current wages are insufficient.
Bottom line
The claim that Rep. Marlo Bancoro is “against wage increases” is misleading.
✔️ He supports wage increases
❌ He opposes a one-size-fits-all national minimum wage
✔️ His argument centers on cost of living differences and economic sustainability, not an outright rejection of higher pay for workers
The Facebook post reflects a labor advocacy position, but it oversimplifies and misrepresents Bancoro’s publicly stated stance.
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