Manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is currently working with various government agencies to address the temporary restraining order (TRO) that has halted the implementation of the minimum wage increase in the National Capital Region (NCR).

According to Philippines News Agency, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino stated that the Department, in collaboration with the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board - NCR (RTWPB-NCR), is coordinating with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to serve as legal counsel for court proceedings. Tolentino emphasized that workers who have already received their wage adjustments are not required to return the additional amount.

The Labor Secretary explained, "The worker already had a vested right to that. It should not be returned... because at the time it was prepared and received, there was no suspension order yet from the National Wages and Productivity Commission." He further clarified that employers cannot ask workers to return the differential or execute wage deductions in subsequent payroll cycles.

RTWPB NCR Chair Sarah Buena Mirasol highlighted the ongoing collaboration with the OSG to address the legal challenges surrounding the halted wage increase and to determine the next steps to protect workers' interests. Mirasol asserted, "We are cooperating, and we are coordinating with the Office of the Solicitor General to argue that this [latest wage order] is valid, that we followed the process."

The Pasig Regional Trial Court issued a TRO against the implementation of NCR Wage Order No. 27, which mandated an PHP85 wage hike for minimum wage earners in the region. Labor groups have opposed the court's decision. Renato Magtubo of Partido Manggagawa criticized the TRO, stating that the move violates the Labor Code and lacks basis.

The BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN) also condemned the petition against the wage order, arguing that it is an attempt by big businesses to deny workers necessary relief from the rising cost of living. BIEN pointed out that the PHP85 wage increase is already insufficient to meet the basic needs of workers and their families.

The RTWPBs, as defined by Republic Act No. 6727 or the Wage Rationalization Act, include representatives from labor, employer, and government sectors. These boards function as a policy tool to align the priorities of these sectors during minimum wage negotiations.