Metro Manila Wage Board Approves P60 Daily Pay Hike
The Metro Manila wage board has approved a P60 daily minimum wage increase. This new order aims to implement a portion of an earlier, larger hike, currently frozen by court injunctions.
New Wage Order Clears Board
Metro Manila's wage board approved a P60 daily minimum wage increase this week. Wage Order NCR-28 passed on a 4-3 vote. This decision could raise the non-agricultural daily minimum wage from P695 to P755. Agricultural workers and small businesses would see their minimum rate increase from P658 to P718. The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) must affirm the order.
If approved and published, the increase could take effect around September 26 or 27. DOLE-National Capital Region Director Roy Buenafe confirmed the board's approval on Monday night.
Court Blocks Earlier Hike
This new P60 increase attempts to implement the first part of a larger P85 daily wage hike. That earlier order, Wage Order NCR-27, remains frozen by court injunctions. NCR-27 initially granted P60 from July 25, 2026, with an additional P25 set for January 20, 2027. Employers challenged NCR-27, securing a Status Quo Ante Order (SQAO) on July 24, 2026.
Subsequent Temporary Restraining Orders and Writs of Preliminary Injunction have also blocked its implementation. DOLE continues to challenge these judicial orders.
Legal Uncertainty Persists
Lawmakers express concern that Wage Order NCR-28 could complicate the ongoing legal battle. Representatives Sarah Elago, Elijah San Fernando, and Deputy Speaker Raymond Mendoza questioned the new order's timing. They suggest it might imply acceptance of the P60 increase, rather than pursuing the full P85. Labour groups argue lower courts lack authority to restrain wage orders.
Article 126 of the Labour Code prohibits injunctions against wage board proceedings. The Supreme Court considers a separate petition from labour groups. This petition seeks to nullify the lower court orders.
Metro Manila businesses face higher operational costs with this approved wage increase. Employers, particularly in non-agricultural sectors, must adjust their labour budgets. The ongoing legal disputes create regulatory uncertainty for wage planning. This could affect hiring decisions and investment in the capital region.
Businesses must monitor the NWPC's affirmation and any further court rulings. Such disputes complicate long-term financial forecasting for firms operating in the Philippines' largest economic hub.
This article is journalism, not investment advice; consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions. Market data is indicative, may be delayed, and should be verified with your broker or exchange before use.
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