MANILA, Philippines — The first tranche of the P85 daily minimum wage increase for workers in the National Capital Region (NCR) takes effect today, Saturday, raising the daily minimum wage by P60.
Under Wage Order NCR-27, the daily minimum wage for workers in the non-agriculture sector increases from P695 to P755, while workers in the agriculture sector, service and retail establishments employing 15 or fewer workers, and manufacturing firms with fewer than 10 regular employees will receive P718 a day, up from P658.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said more than 1.1 million minimum wage earners in Metro Manila were expected to benefit from the wage adjustment, which it described as the largest single daily wage increase in the region to date.
In a statement, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said the wage increase aimed to help workers cope with rising living costs, including inflation and higher electricity prices.
Tolentino reminded employers to comply with the wage order, saying violations are punishable under the law.
He also urged labor and management to address possible wage distortions through collective bargaining agreements.
The labor chief said the agency would provide financial assistance to qualified micro, small and medium enterprises affected by the wage increase.
Eligible firms may also apply for exemption from the wage order within the prescribed 75-day period.
The remaining P25 increase will take effect on Jan. 20, 2027.
