Acting Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino expressed confidence on Sunday, August 2, that the ₱85 daily minimum wage hike for Metro Manila workers will survive its legal challenge despite a temporary restraining order (TRO) pausing its rollout.
”The rule of law will prevail here. The Constitution will prevail,” Tolentino said in an radio interview.
The Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) granted the TRO on July 30 following a petition for declaratory relief filed by two construction companies against National Capital Region (NCR) Wage Order No. 27.
Issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, the order grants an ₱85 daily pay increase for private-sector minimum wage earners in the metropolis. It was designed to be implemented in two stages:
- First Tranche: A ₱60 increase that took effect on July 25.
- Second Tranche: The remaining ₱25 scheduled for later implementation.
Tolentino earlier clarified that the court’s hold does not invalidate wages already earned prior to the issuance of the TRO, emphasizing that business owners are still legally required to pay those adjustments.
Constitutional Protections and Next Steps
During the interview, the acting labor chief highlighted Article XIII, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution, which mandates that the State afford full protection to labor.
”I believe Article XIII, Section 3 of the Philippine Constitution will prevail. I believe the court will recognize the primacy of the law,” Tolentino said in Filipino.
He urged the public and the labor sector to stay composed as the legal proceedings unfold, assuring them of continuous government support.
”To [the public], let us remain calm. The law, especially the Constitution, must prevail. Your government will not abandon you, especially when it comes to the welfare of our workers,” he said.
The court is scheduled to hear the case on Monday, August 3, to further review the petition against the wage order.