Former Defense Secretary and senatorial candidate Gilbert (GIBO) Teodoro said institutionalizing across-the-board minimum wage will lessen the country’s competitiveness to generate more jobs and livelihood opportunities.

“I am not in favor of legislated across-the-board minimum wage because it prevents the potential to further increase it,” Gibo Teodoro said. “Wages should be localized and be determined by the Regional Tripartite Wage Board.”

The former Tarlac congressman and 1989 Bar top notcher pointed out that different areas have diverse situations, and using location-based compensation keeps pay equitable. Instead of a legislated minimum wage, Gibo Teodoro said the government should strengthen its social programs and continue providing efficient services to alleviate the lives of Filipinos.

The senatorial candidate said that a legislated minimum wage will also make the country uncompetitive in attracting investors to put up and expand their business, slowing down employment and livelihood generation in the country.