Pasig Court Issues TRO on Metro Manila Minimum Wage Hike

MANILA, Philippines—The Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 152 on Thursday issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the implementation of the P85 minimum wage increase in Metro Manila until Aug. 13 following a petition filed by two construction companies. Readycon Trading and Construction Corp. and R-II Builders Inc. have filed a petition to briefly halt the wage hike. The decision casts a shadow over the planned minimum wage increase, which was expected to be a welcome development for workers amid rising living costs across the Philippines. The opposition from the construction sector stems from concerns about the impact of increased labor costs on project profitability. The TRO grants companies a reprieve to reassess the implications of the wage hike, while workers may face continued pressure from escalating expenses. The Metro Manila Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (MMTWPB) had previously approved the increase, raising the minimum wage from P610 to P695 per day. This adjustment was intended to boost the purchasing power of workers in response to inflation and the rising cost of living. However, construction firms argued that the wage hike would significantly escalate their operational costs, posing a substantial burden, particularly for smaller enterprises. They warned of potential contract renegotiations and, in some cases, project delays. The issuance of the TRO is likely to intensify the debate surrounding the minimum wage increase. The court's final decision is eagerly awaited. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo