PH Labor chief saddened over restraining order on NCR wage hike

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino on Thursday expressed sadness over the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued against the implementation of the wage increase in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Tolentino, however, said he respects the court's decision.

"Malungkot ako para sa mga manggagawa pero susunod tayo sa utos ng husgado (I feel sad for the workers, but we will abide by the court's order)," he said in a statement posted on the DOLE's Facebook page.

"Kung anuman ang naging basehan ng husgado ng paglalabas ng TRO, hayaan na po natin na sila ang magpaliwanag, (As for the basis behind the court's issuance of the TRO (Temporary Restraining Order), let us leave it to them to explain),” he said.

He, meanwhile, said the DOLE continues to fulfill its mandate of safeguarding the welfare of workers in accordance with existing laws.

On Thursday, Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 152 Judge Marie Joyce Manongsong issued a TRO against the implementation of Wage Order No. 27 issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-National Capital Region.

This came after two construction firms, Readycon Trading and Construction Corporation and R-II Builders Inc., filed a petition seeking to bar the implementation of the PHP85 daily wage increase for Metro Manila private sector workers.

The first tranche of the wage hike took effect on July 25, raising the daily minimum pay in the region by PHP60. Meanwhile, the additional PHP25 pay increase will take effect on Jan. 20, 2027.

-Philippine News Agency