MANILA — The Senate has unanimously thrown its full support behind the immediate implementation of the P85 daily minimum wage increase for Metro Manila workers, with all 21 senators signing a resolution calling for the lifting of the temporary restraining order (TRO) that has stalled the pay hike affecting more than 1.1 million employees.
The rare show of unity from both the majority and minority blocs underscores the chamber’s firm position that the wage increase should proceed without further delay, while reaffirming its 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), which approved Wage Order No. NCR-27.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said the unanimous resolution reflects the Senate’s commitment to protecting workers’ welfare regardless of political affiliation.
“Let the Labor Code prevail and allow the P85 increase to reach the workers who have already waited long enough. Hindi puwedeng ang isang petisyon ng iilan ang magpapahintay sa mahigit 1.1 milyong manggagawa at kanilang mga pamilya,” Zubiri said.
He said senators from both political blocs backed the resolution, with him securing the signatures of the majority while Sen. Robin Padilla gathered those from the minority.
“Walang partido, walang kulay dapat ang pagsusulong natin ng kapakanan ng manggagawa,” Zubiri added.
The Senate resolution cited Article 126 of the Labor Code, as amended by Republic Act 6727, which prohibits courts and other bodies from issuing injunctions or restraining orders against proceedings of the NWPC and regional wage boards.
Lawmakers also warned that allowing the TRO to remain could set a precedent that may delay future wage increases in other regions.
The RTWPB-NCR approved the P85 daily wage increase after consultations among labor, business, and government representatives. The adjustment was set for phased implementation, with P60 effective July 25 and the remaining P25 on Jan. 20, 2027.
The increase, however, was suspended after the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 152 issued a temporary restraining order on July 30 following a petition filed by Readycon Trading and Construction Corp. and R-II Builders Inc. The TRO remains in effect until Aug. 13 unless lifted by the court.
Zubiri said the Senate is respectfully appealing to the court to allow the wage order to take effect, emphasizing that the increase is a right already earned by workers.
“The Senate will stand with our workers until this wage increase reaches their hands. Hindi ito pabor o limos, kundi pagkilala sa halaga ng kanilang trabaho at sa karapatan ng bawat pamilya sa isang marangal na buhay,” he said./PN
