Calabarzon: The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board - Region 4A (RTWPB-Calabarzon) has approved a daily wage increase for minimum wage earners in the region, set to be implemented in two phases. The increase ranges from PHP25 to PHP100, with the first tranche effective from October 5, 2025, and the second from April 1, 2026.

According to Philippines News Agency, Wage Order No. IV-A22, approved on September 3, outlines the adjustments. The daily minimum wage in the non-agricultural sector will rise from PHP525 to PHP600. For the agricultural sector, wages will be adjusted from PHP508 to PHP525. Employees in retail and service establishments with not more than 10 workers will receive PHP508 after an increase of PHP83 upon the full implementation of both tranches.

The last minimum wage adjustment in the region took effect on September 30, 2024. This new adjustment has been welcomed by a labor group, with Federation of Free Workers president Sonny Matula emphasizing that the minimum wage should be considered a floor, not a ceiling. He urged employers to recognize their workers' deservingness of better wages beyond the minimum.

"Businesses in Calabarzon have shown resilience and growth. We know you can give more," Matula stated. He called on employers to implement across-the-board wage increases to ensure justice for all workers and prevent wage distortion issues that may lead to prolonged litigation.

Matula highlighted that wage distortion cases often burden the dockets of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) and the courts, suggesting that across-the-board increases are a just and efficient solution. He reiterated the call for Congress to enact a PHP250 legislated nationwide wage hike to bridge the gap between the legal minimum and the true cost of living for ordinary Filipino families.