Labor groups hit second case stopping NCR pay hike

MANILA, Philippines — Labor groups on Thursday denounced the filing of another petition suspending the implementation of the P85 minimum wage hike in the National Capital Region (NCR), this time before the Navotas City Regional Trial Court (RTC). In a statement, representatives of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) and Nagkaisa Labor Coalition said the move was a "direct affront" to the country's workers. They argued that the wage increase is a necessary measure to boost workers' purchasing power and stimulate the economy, especially amid rising inflation. The groups expressed concern that the suspension of the wage hike would further burden workers who are already struggling with the increasing cost of living, including soaring prices of food and fuel. This is the second petition seeking to halt the wage increase, following a similar case filed before the Manila City Regional Trial Court last week. Labor advocates are urging the court to prioritize the welfare of workers and uphold their right to a living wage.