P85 Minimum Wage Hike for Metro Manila Workers

Over 1.1 million workers in Metro Manila are set to receive a P85 daily pay increase, the largest ever approved by the National Capital Region (NCR) wage board.

The adjustment will raise the daily minimum wage in Metro Manila from P695 to P780, with the increase rolled out in two tranches: P60 effective July 19, 2026, and another P25 effective January 20, 2027. PSA data show that families in Metro Manila recorded the highest average annual spending among all regions in 2023 at P385,050, well above the national average of P258,050.

According to the Department of Labor and Employment, the adjustment is expected to benefit more than 1.1 million workers in the capital region. The wage board cited the need to address the increasing cost of living in Metro Manila as the reason for the wage increase.

The NCR wage board has consistently increased the minimum wage in Metro Manila over the past few years, with the current increase being the largest to date. The board has also implemented measures to ensure that employers comply with the wage increase, including regular monitoring and compliance checks.

The labor department has stated that it will continue to work with employers and employees to ensure that the minimum wage increase is implemented smoothly and without any disruptions to business operations. The department has also emphasized that the increase is a vital step towards addressing income inequality and ensuring that workers are paid a fair wage for their labor.

The P85 daily pay increase is seen as a significant step towards addressing the poverty and inequality faced by many workers in Metro Manila. With this increase, workers will be able to afford basic necessities and contribute to the economic growth of the city.

The National Capital Region wage board is composed of representatives from labor, management, and government. The board is responsible for setting the minimum wage for workers in Metro Manila, which is the highest paying region in the country.

The board's decision to increase the minimum wage has been welcomed by labor groups and advocacy organizations. According to them, the increase will help to alleviate the financial burdens of working-class families and promote social equity.

The labor department has emphasized the importance of implementing the minimum wage increase smoothly and without any disruptions to business operations. The department has also appealed to employers to cooperate with the wage increase and ensure that their employees receive the higher wages on time.