President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that regional wage boards are reviewing local economic conditions to determine whether additional minimum‑wage adjustments are warranted after Metro Manila received a historic increase.
The boards are tasked with analyzing current price levels in each region so that wage rates can be set appropriately, according to the president’s remarks in Pulilan, Bulacan.
The National Capital Region recorded an P85 daily increase, marking the largest raise in the country’s history for Metro Manila workers.
Regional wage boards are expected to complete their assessments later this year, with potential wage orders anticipated around September or October.
The Department of Labor approved the P85 increase, lifting the daily minimum wage to P730 for non‑agricultural workers and to P693 for agricultural, retail, service, and small‑scale manufacturing employees.
Under Philippine law, Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards set minimum wages based on inflation, cost of living, employment conditions, business viability, and regional economic factors.
Any wage increase outside Metro Manila requires approval from the relevant regional board after consultation with labor, employer, and government representatives.
Labor groups continue to advocate for higher wages to help workers manage rising living costs, while business groups caution that wage hikes must consider the capacity of micro, small, and medium enterprises to absorb higher labor expenses.
The results of the regional wage reviews will determine whether further minimum‑wage increases are implemented in the remaining months of 2026.
