The implementation of a ₱85 daily wage increase for minimum wage earners in Metro Manila has hit a temporary roadblock following a court order, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) confirmed on Thursday, July 27.
The pause stems from a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by a local Metro Manila court after a legal challenge was mounted by at least two companies. The initial ₱60 tranche of the wage hike was originally slated to take effect on July 25, while the remaining ₱25 tranche is scheduled for January next year.
Acting Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino expressed sadness over the development but emphasized that the government must comply with the legal process:
“Malungkot ako para sa mga manggagawa pero susunod tayo sa utos ng husgado.”
Tolentino declined to comment on the specific legal merits behind the decision, leaving the rationale to the court system:
“Kung ano man ang naging basehan ng husgado sa paglalabas ng TRO, hayaan na po natin na sila ang magpaliwanag.”
The ₱85 increase for the National Capital Region was formally announced by Tolentino last month. Meanwhile, wage hike deliberations for CALABARZON, Central Luzon, and Central Visayas remain ongoing.