MANILA, Philippines — Kamanggagawa Partylist Rep. Elijah “Eli” San Fernando warned employers against evading the P755 daily minimum wage in Metro Manila and urged workers to report firms that fail to comply with the wage order.
San Fernando said covered employers must implement National Capital Region Wage Order No. 27, including the wage increase’s effectivity from July 25, despite the temporary restraining order issued by the Pasig Regional Trial Court.
The warning came after the Department of Labor and Employment issued Administrative Order 264, Series of 2026, directing the implementation and enforcement of approved wage orders and requiring labor inspectors to check employers’ payrolls and financial records.
San Fernando said employers that attempt to avoid the wage increase through technicalities should be reported, as violations may result in compliance orders and legal sanctions.
“Workers should not be complacent because we know that some large business owners and companies will try to evade and hide behind technicalities just to avoid paying the correct wages,” San Fernando said.
He urged workers to report suspected violations through Kamanggagawa Partylist’s “Sumbungan ng Kamanggagawa,” which will refer cases to DOLE for appropriate action.
San Fernando said the enforcement of the NCR wage order should continue while the legal dispute over its implementation remains pending.
He also called for broader wage increases nationwide and the eventual abolition of the provincial wage-rate system.
