NCR Minimum Wage Earners Get P60 Daily Increase Under New Wage Order

DOLE Implements Wage Order NCR-28 in Metro Manila

The implementation follows the tripartite wage-setting process conducted by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-NCR (RTWPB-NCR) and confirmation by the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), as reported by DOLE. Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino highlighted the collaborative effort behind the decree at the DOLE Central Office in Intramuros, Manila.

“This is where we have shown the value of a tripartite mechanism where the government, employers’ groups, and employees’ groups unite to promote and elevate the dignity of the Filipino worker and to demonstrate that through this unity, we can advance a sustainable economy here in NCR,” Tolentino said, according to the main source material.

Tolentino urged all employers across the region to comply immediately with the updated pay scale and ensure their payroll systems reflect the new rates. DOLE stated that it will actively monitor compliance and offer guidance to workers and employers regarding implementation.

New Daily Minimum Wage Rates by Sector

Under Wage Order No. NCR-28, pay adjustments vary slightly by industry classification to accommodate smaller businesses. Philstar.com reported the specific sectoral breakdowns established by the wage board:

• Non-Agricultural Workers: Increased from P695 to P755 per day.
• Agricultural Workers: Increased from P658 to P718 per day.
• Service and Retail Establishments: Covers businesses employing 15 workers or fewer, raising the daily minimum from P658 to P718.
• Small Manufacturing Establishments: Covers businesses regularly employing fewer than 10 workers, raising the daily minimum from P658 to P718.

Legal Hurdles Surrounding Wage Order NCR-27

The rollout of Wage Order NCR-28 serves as a workaround for workers after the previous wage adjustment order faced significant legal roadblocks. Wage Order NCR-27 originally sought to grant an P85 increase implemented in two tranches—an initial P60 slated for July 2026 followed by a P25 increment in January 2027.

DOLE and various labor unions are actively contesting the court orders, prompting the wage board to issue NCR-28 to deliver the initial P60 financial assistance to employees without waiting for the resolution of the ongoing litigation.