Multiple labor unions staged a rally outside the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) central office in Intramuros, Manila, on Friday morning, August 7, calling for the full implementation of the ₱85 daily minimum wage increase in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The joint demonstration was led by the National Wage Coalition, All Workers Unity, Partido Manggagawa, and Kilusang Mayo Uno.
Demonstrators urged government officials to lift the temporary restraining order that currently blocks the wage hike from taking effect across Metro Manila. Beyond demanding the immediate rollout of the NCR pay adjustment, the groups renewed their push for a nationwide daily minimum wage of ₱1,200.
They pressed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino to enforce the wage mandate and called on private sector employers to comply.
Speaking in a radio interview, Partido Manggagawa Chairperson Renato “Ka Rene” Magtubo called on business leaders to respect the decision established by the regional wage board.
”Ako ay nanawagan sa mga employers, sila ay represented sa wage board. Dapat kondenahin din ng ng Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) ito ang kanilang mga miyembro na hindi sumusunod sa WAGE Board na kanilang kasama sa proseso at nilabas ng Regional Wage Board,” Magtubo said.