MANILA, Philippines — Senators across political parties supported the resolution filed by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri demanding the immediate lifting of the temporary restraining order (TRO) against the P85 daily wage hike for Metro Manila workers.
Zubiri rallied support of all senators from both the majority and minority through Senate Resolution 577, which seeks to express the sense of the Senate in support of Filipino workers, the Department of Labor and Employment and the agencies responsible for determining regional minimum wages.
"Let the Labor Code prevail and allow the P85 increase to reach the workers who have already waited long enough. A petition by a few individuals should not delay benefits for more than 1.1 million workers and their families,” Zubiri said.
"I moved around and gathered signatures for cross-aisle support from all members of the majority and minority so the Senate can state clearly that the wage board’s decision should be final. It should be implemented and respected by the courts," he added.
The resolution, signed by all 21 senators, cited Article 126 of the Labor Code, as amended by Republic Act 6727, which prohibits courts, tribunals or other entities from issuing injunctions or TROs against proceedings before the National Wages and Productivity Commission or the regional wage boards.
“Otherwise, it would set a bad precedent because if a P30 increase is approved in Cagayan de Oro or Northern Mindanao, anyone could just go to a friendly court and seek a restraining order. That is not acceptable,” Zubiri said.
