Senate Resolution Filed Against Wage Hike TRO

The Philippine Senate has unanimously passed a resolution seeking the immediate lifting of a temporary restraining order (TRO) that suspended an P85 increase to the daily minimum wage in Metro Manila. This move highlights concerns over the independence of wage-setting bodies and judicial interference in their decisions. Spearheaded by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate Resolution No. 577 expresses the sense of the Senate in opposing the wage hike TRO. "I moved around and gathered signatures for cross-aisle support from all members of the majority and minority so the Senate can state clearly that the wage board’s decision should be final. It should be implemented and respected by the courts," Zubiri stated. All senators, setting aside political differences, signed the resolution. Senator Robin Padilla also helped gather signatures from the minority, according to Zubiri. The resolution was filed following the suspension of Wage Order No. NCR-27, issued by the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), which mandated an P85 increase to the daily minimum wage for private-sector workers in the National Capital Region. The order was halted by a Pasig Regional Trial Court, which issued a TRO as requested by construction firms Readycon Trading and Construction Corp. and R-II Builders Inc. The resolution cited Article 126 of the Labor Code, which prohibits courts, tribunals, or other entities from issuing injunctions or TROs against proceedings before the National Wages and Productivity Commission or the regional wage boards. This development comes amidst a backdrop where workers' real wages have struggled to keep pace with the rising cost of living. The minimum wage in the Philippines has been a subject of debate, with many arguing that it remains insufficient for many workers to cope with inflation and high prices.