Dole Urged to Defend P85 Minimum Wage Hike in NCR Amid TRO

MANILA, Philippines — The Trabaho party-list on Saturday urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and concerned agencies to “firmly defend” and uphold the validity of the P85 minimum wage increase in Metro Manila after a Pasig Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on its implementation. The party-list stressed that the wage hike is crucial for improving the living standards of workers, noting that the court’s decision would be a blow to many Filipino workers struggling with rising inflation. A spokesperson for the DOLE, while calling the court’s order “unfortunate,” indicated that the department would seek the reversal of the TRO. The government maintains its stance of prioritizing the protection of workers’ rights while carefully assessing the economic impact of the minimum wage increase. This minimum wage adjustment highlights the difficult balancing act the government faces between inflationary pressures in the Philippine economy and maintaining the real wages of workers. The rising cost of living in the capital region, in particular, has strained the budgets of low-income households, increasing expectations for a wage hike. While remittances from overseas are a significant pillar of the Philippine economy, maintaining domestic purchasing power is also essential for sustained economic growth. The TRO is likely to spark further debate on the timing and impact of the wage increase.