DoLE Urged to Clarify Conflicting Wage Hike Orders in Metro Manila

THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) on Sunday urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to clarify the conflicting implementation of two wage orders in Metro Manila, saying uncertainty over the increases could further fuel worker protests. The labor group said DoLE should uphold National Capital Region (NCR) Wage Order No. 27, which granted an P85 daily wage increase, while explaining how the subsequent Wage Order No. 28, which provides for a P60 increase, affects workers’ entitlements. “Workers do not want to end up with nothing, but they do not want to be taken advantage of either,” TUCP said in Filipino. DoLE earlier announced that Wage Order No. NCR-28 would take effect on Sept. 26, raising the minimum wage for nonagricultural workers in the NCR from P695 to P755 per day. Agricultural workers will also receive a P60 daily increase. The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-NCR issued the order after the tripartite wage-setting process, DoLE said, reminding employers to comply with the new rates upon effectivity. TUCP, however, questioned DoLE’s position that Wage Order No. 27 did not take effect, citing the absence of a writ of preliminary injunction backed by the required bond that would bar its implementation. The labor group said workers could have accumulated about P3,000 in wage differentials since July 25 if the P85 increase remains enforceable. It also raised concerns over the P25 second tranche scheduled for January 2027 under Wage Order No. 27. “DoLE cannot have it both ways,” TUCP said, arguing that the agency cannot cite possible contempt of court as a reason for withholding the P85 increase while allowing Wage Order No. 28 to provide only P60 without explaining the status of the earlier order. The group asked DoLE to clarify whether the P60 increase under Wage Order No. 28 is a temporary measure while legal issues surrounding Wage Order No. 27 are being resolved. TUCP also questioned whether Wage Order No. 28 underwent proper consultation and review, particularly in addressing “supervening events.” The labor group urged DoLE to ensure payment of wage differentials accruing from July 25, reaffirm the P25 second tranche under Wage Order No. 27 and explain the legal and procedural basis for Wage Order No. 28. It warned that continued uncertainty over the wage orders could intensify worker dissatisfaction and lead to broader mass demonstrations. — Pexcel John Bacon