Manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Thursday lauded small businesses that continued to voluntarily implement the recent PHP85 wage hike for minimum wage earners in Metro Manila despite its temporary suspension.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Francis Tolentino noted that the establishments' decision to comply with the NCR wage order reflects their commitment to support workers' welfare while maintaining their operations. 'There are also companies that voluntarily complied with Wage Order No. 27. We thank them. This is Regasco, this is LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). There is a bulaluhan in Caloocan. There is Meals on Wheels. Those are five small companies that even though there is a TRO (temporary restraining order), they still complied. So, we thank those who voluntarily complied,' he said.

Among the establishments that voluntarily complied with the wage hike is Bulalohan sa 1st, a casual dining restaurant in Caloocan City, whose management decided to proceed with the pay raise because the workers deserve a fair wage and support. Other businesses have likewise proceeded with the wage increase, including the distributor in the LPG industry, and several food stands in Metro Manila, including Meals in Minutes and ChizMozza, demonstrating a growing commitment among employers to provide better compensation for their workers.

The PHP85 wage hike in Metro Manila was temporarily suspended on July 30, 2026, following the issuance of a TRO by the Pasig Regional Trial Court. Earlier, Tolentino reaffirmed that DOLE will continue to support the Office of the Solicitor General in pushing for the implementation of the wage hike in a legal manner.