THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued guidelines for the implementation, monitoring and enforcement of wage orders, including procedures for establishments seeking wage order exemptions.
In a statement on Monday, DOLE said Administrative Order 264, Series of 2026, signed by Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, directs DOLE regional offices and Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) to ensure compliance with wage orders under the Labor Code.
Under the order, approved wage orders become effective and immediately executory 15 calendar days after their publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) and RTWPBs are also directed to monitor the implementation and compliance with wage orders in their jurisdictions through the labor inspectorate system.
RTWPBs are directed to simplify the mechanisms for establishments applying for wage orders.
RTWPBs and DOLE regional offices must coordinate closely in verifying the implementation of wage increases.
Establishments found to have wage deficiencies may be issued compliance orders under Article 128 of the Labor Code.
RTWPBs are required to submit implementation and exemption progress reports to the NWPC within 30 calendar days after a wage order takes effect.
They must also submit a Policy and Impact Assessment Report to the Office of the Secretary covering the wage order’s coverage, exemptions, probable regional inflation effects and potential policy recommendations.
Consultations among labor, management and government stakeholders will continue after the issuance of a wage order.
The department said AO 264 took effect immediately upon signing.
