MANILA, Philippines — Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino on Thursday expressed disappointment over a Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) order affecting the implementation of the National Capital Region’s latest wage increase, but said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) respects the judicial process.
In a statement, Tolentino said that DOLE would await the court’s explanation while assuring workers that the department would continue protecting their welfare under existing laws.
The Pasig RTC earlier denied a request by Readycon Trading and Construction Corp. and K-As Builders Inc. for a 72-hour temporary restraining order against Wage Order No. NCR-27, which grants Metro Manila minimum wage earners an ₱85 daily pay increase in two tranches.
Instead, the court ordered parties to maintain the status quo until the case is assigned to a regular branch and the petition for a TRO is heard.
