Manila: The government has announced a cumulative PHP125 increase in the daily minimum wage for private sector workers in the National Capital Region (NCR), as reported by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Labor Day Friday. This development is part of several wage adjustments under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
According to Philippines News Agency, the total wage hikes in Metro Manila from 2023 to 2025 have now reached PHP125. The most recent adjustment, amounting to PHP50, became effective on July 18, 2025, thereby setting the NCR minimum wage at PHP695 per day. The next wage review cycle is anticipated to start by May 2026, within 60 days before the anniversary of the latest wage order in NCR.
In other regions, the daily minimum wage increases vary from PHP80 to PHP140. A total of 16 wage orders have been issued for the 2025-2026 cycle, affecting 4.69 million minimum wage earners across the country. Workers in Regions 10 (Northern Mindanao) and 13 (Caraga) are set to receive higher pay starting May 1 due to the implementation of their second tranche wage increases. In Northern Mindanao, an additional PHP14 raises the daily minimum wage to a range of PHP485-PHP500, following a first tranche increase of PHP25 in January. In Caraga, the second tranche of PHP20 brings the daily wage to PHP475, subsequent to an initial PHP20 increase earlier in January.
Furthermore, second tranche increases in Regions 8 (Eastern Visayas) and 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), which amount to PHP18 and PHP25 respectively, will commence on June 1. Regions 5 (Bicol) and 11 (Davao) are also expected to implement their second tranche adjustments later in the year.
Following directives from President Marcos, DOLE stated that the National Wages and Productivity Commission continues to carry out regular assessments of regional wage rates. This is aimed at reducing economic uncertainty and fortifying the connection between productivity and sustainable wages. DOLE emphasized its commitment to safeguarding vulnerable workers by determining minimum wages based on current socioeconomic conditions.
