Palace: Fight for Metro Manila wage hike continues despite court halt

The Philippine government will continue to push for the P85 daily minimum wage increase in Metro Manila, despite a court order temporarily halting its implementation. On Thursday, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino stated that he respects the judicial process and will leave it to the court to explain the basis of the order. However, he emphasized the government's continued efforts toward this wage hike. The proposed minimum wage increase has been a subject of debate, with proponents arguing for improved living standards for workers and opponents, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, expressing concerns about rising labor costs impacting their operations. The court's temporary halt is seen as a reflection of concerns raised by the business sector. The government faces the challenge of balancing worker income improvement with economic growth. Addressing economic inequality and poverty reduction has been a long-standing issue in the Philippines, with minimum wage adjustments being a part of the ongoing discussion. The government's stance indicates a focus on supporting workers, but the broader economic implications will require continued monitoring.