31/07/2026
DOLE DEFENDS WAGE HIKE. Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino affirmed that the Department of Labor and Employment is working with key agencies to address the temporary restraining order (TRO) currently suspending the Metro Manila minimum wage increase. (Photo by Ali Creo/DOLE-IPS)
Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino announced that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will actively respond to the temporary restraining order (TRO) currently blocking the rollout of the minimum wage increase in the National Capital Region (NCR).
On Thursday, July 30, 2026, the Pasig Regional Trial Court issued a TRO against the implementation of NCR Wage Order No. 27, mandating the 85-peso wage hike for minimum wage earners in the region.
According to the Labor Chief, the Department—through the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board–NCR (RTWPB-NCR)—is coordinating with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), which will serve as legal counsel for the agencies in court proceedings.
Secretary Tolentino further clarified that workers who have already received their wage adjustments are not required to return the additional amount.
“Meron nang vested right ‘yung manggagawa no’n. Hindi na dapat isauli ‘yon… kasi at that time it was prepared, and at that time it was received, wala pang order ‘yung National Wages and Productivity Commission na suspended,” Secretary Tolentino explained.
The Secretary also emphasized that employers cannot ask workers to return the differential or execute wage deductions in subsequent payroll cycles.
“Maging kalmado tayo ngayon. Hintayin natin ang magiging resulta ng desisyon ng isang coequal branch. Ginagalang natin ang judiciary. Ginawa natin ito para sa kapakanan ng mga manggagawang Pilipino… lahat po ito ay para sa kapakanan ng manggagawa at ng mga employers,” Secretary Tolentino added.
On the ongoing collaboration with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), DOLE-NCR Regional Director and RTWPB NCR Chair Atty. Sarah Buena S. Mirasol said it is addressing the legal grounds surrounding the halted wage increase and determining the next steps to safeguard the interests of workers.
“We are cooperating, and we are coordinating with the Office of the Solicitor General to argue that this [latest wage order] is valid, na sinunod namin ang proseso.”
“Kami ay dumaan sa proseso. It was a discussion among the members of the Board, and all were given the opportunity. Tinalakay po namin ang iba’t ibang positions, comments ng labor, ng employer, as well as the government. We are confident in the fact na we followed due process, and we followed the process as provided in the guidelines for minimum wage fixing,” Regional Director Mirasol added.
Pursuant to Republic Act No. 6727, or the Wage Rationalization Act, RTWPBs are composed of representatives from the labor, employer, and government sectors. The tripartite framework of wage boards functions as a key policy tool that aligns the priorities of said sectors during minimum wage negotiations.
In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., DOLE remains steadfast in fulfilling its core mission to protect the rights and uphold the welfare of workers, strictly adhering to existing labor laws. END/CBS
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