Manila: Malaca±ang on Tuesday confirmed that the new minimum wage increase in the National Capital Region (NCR) will proceed as planned, with no suspension ordered for its implementation. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has not issued any directive to halt the wage adjustment, ensuring that it will continue as scheduled.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro addressed reporters, emphasizing the absence of any suspension. She assured that the Palace has not received any requests from the private sector to delay the wage hike. "Nothing has been conveyed to us indicating that the private sector has requested a suspension, so there is no order to suspend its implementation," Castro explained.

The statement came after calls emerged to postpone the wage increase rollout. Previously, the Department of Labor and Employment announced that the NCR wage hike would take effect on July 25. This date follows the official publication of NCR Wage Order No. 27 on July 9, which grants minimum-wage workers an PHP85 daily increase.

The wage increase aligns with President Marcos' directive to enhance the quality of life for the Filipino workforce, and it will be implemented in two tranches. The first PHP60 increase is set for July 25, followed by an additional PHP25 on January 20, 2027. This adjustment will raise the daily minimum wage for non-agricultural workers to PHP780.

Additionally, workers in agriculture, service and retail establishments with 15 or fewer employees, and manufacturing firms with fewer than 10 regular workers, will receive a PHP743 daily minimum wage under the new order.