The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced on Monday, June 30, 2025, that the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board of the National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) has approved a ₱50 increase in the daily minimum wage. This move aims to support workers amid rising living costs in Metro Manila.
The wage hike will raise the daily minimum wage for non-agriculture workers in the NCR from ₱645 to ₱695. Meanwhile, those working in the agriculture sector, service and retail establishments with 15 or fewer employees, and manufacturing companies with less than 10 regular workers will see their daily pay rise from ₱608 to ₱658.
Wage Order No. 26, which formalized the increase, was unanimously approved by the regional wage board. The adjustment will take effect on July 18, 2025, and is projected to benefit around 1.2 million minimum wage earners in the National Capital Region.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma emphasized the timely nature of the wage order, which was issued just a day after the first anniversary of the previous increase implemented on July 17, 2024.
“This wage adjustment reflects the board’s recognition of the rising costs of goods and services, as well as the workers’ continued contribution to economic growth,” Laguesma said during a press briefing.
The wage hike follows a series of public hearings and consultations conducted by the RTWPB-NCR, which involved representatives from labor groups, employers, and government sectors. The board considered inflation, the cost of living, and the capacity of businesses to pay when determining the new rate.
Labor groups welcomed the development but noted that the increase still falls short of a “living wage.” Some called for legislation that would implement nationwide wage standards and larger increases to help workers keep up with inflation.
Employers’ groups, meanwhile, expressed concerns about how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) would absorb the added labor costs, especially amid slow economic recovery for some industries.
Despite these mixed reactions, DOLE urged all stakeholders to cooperate in implementing the wage hike and affirmed its commitment to monitor compliance across the NCR.
The new rates will be enforced under the supervision of DOLE regional offices starting July 18.