Manila: Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri announced that all 21 senators have signed a resolution urging the immediate lifting of the temporary restraining order (TRO) that halted the implementation of the PHP85 daily minimum wage increase in Metro Manila. The senators argue that the Labor Code prohibits courts from issuing injunctions against wage board proceedings.
According to Philippines News Agency, the resolution expresses the Senate's support for the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) in implementing Wage Order No. NCR-27. Zubiri emphasized the Senate's united stand in supporting Filipino workers and the country's wage-setting institutions.
Zubiri stated that the Labor Code should prevail to allow the PHP85 increase to benefit the workers, who have waited long enough. He highlighted the nonpartisan nature of the Senate's efforts, with signatures secured from both majority and minority senators to show unanimous support.
The resolution references Article 126 of the Labor Code, amended by Republic Act 6727, which prevents courts from issuing injunctions against proceedings before the NWPC or regional wage boards. It warns that maintaining the TRO could set a precedent delaying future wage increases.
The RTWPB-NCR approved the PHP85 wage increase following consultations among labor, employers, and government representatives. The adjustment was to be implemented in two stages: an initial PHP60 effective July 25 and another PHP25 on January 20, 2027. However, the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 152 suspended the implementation on July 30 after a petition by Readycon Trading and Construction Corp. and R-II Builders Inc., with the TRO effective until August 13 pending further proceedings.
Zubiri called for the court to lift the TRO, stressing that the wage increase is a right earned by workers. He reiterated the Senate's commitment to supporting workers until the wage increase is granted.
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino expressed DOLE's gratitude to the senators for supporting the lifting of the TRO against Wage Order No. NCR-27. He commended Senate leadership for advocating statutory wage increases and ensuring fair compensation for Filipino workers. Tolentino also mentioned DOLE's efforts with the Office of the Solicitor General to challenge the TRO issued by the Pasig RTC.
Over 1.1 million private sector workers in the region stand to benefit from the wage adjustment.
