With over 1.1 million workers living on minimum wage in the region set to benefit.
On Tuesday, June 30, during an activity in Malabon City, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino announced that the department, together with the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board have finalized a new regional wage order for the National Capital Region (NCR).
At PHP 85, the Labor Chief tolf that the adjustment is the largest single daily minimum wage increase ever enacted in Metro Manila.
The increase will be delivered in two tranches: P60 upon the Wage Order’s effectivity on July 19, 2026, and an additional P25 on January 20, 2027.
“Itinataas po natin sa isang makasaysayang P85 increase. Pinakamataas po ang P85 bawat araw sa pribadong sektor [at] ang pagtaas po ay ibibigay sa dalawang hulog,” Tolentino said.
Through Wage Order No. NCR-27, minimum wage earners in NCR shall receive a daily wage of PHP 780 for non-agriculture sectors, while PHP 743 for agriculture (plantation and non-plantation); service/retail establishments employing 15 workers or less; and manufacturing establishments regularly employing fewer than 10 workers.
The Secretary then thanked the employers for their support of the minimum wage increase and reminded them to adhere to the wage order, emphasizing the importance of the adjustment in assisting minimum wage earners and their families.
Meanwhile, other regional wage boards are conducting reviews and consultations in response to the directive from President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to begin assessments within 60 days before the anniversary dates of their latest wage orders.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has already slammed the move, calling it in a video uploaded on their social media page as a “limos” (“alms”).
Spokesperson Carlos Oñate also criticized Secretary Francis Tolentino for his absence in the hearing meant to tackle bills on wage increase.
“Nabudol po ang manggagawa kay [Secretary Tolentino]. Historic daw ‘yung P85. ‘Yun pala hindi lang siya barya-barya dahil daan-daan na ang nawalang purchasing power sa ating mga manggagawa kundi utay-utay pang ibibigay,” Oñate said.