The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Friday expressed deep concern regarding the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 152’s writ of preliminary injunction against the ₱85 wage hike for workers in Metro Manila, emphasizing that this deprives millions of workers and their families of food during financially lean times.

“Ang desisyon ng Pasig RTC Branch 152 ay hindi lamang pumipigil sa dagdag-sahod—inaalis nito ang pagkain sa hapag ng mahigit isang milyong manggagawa sa Metro Manila at ng kanilang mga pamilya. Sa panahong mahalaga ang bawat piso, ipinagkakait ng desisyong ito sa ating mga manggagawa ang kaginhawaang kanilang pinaghirapan at kailangang-kailangan,” Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said in a statement.

The Labor agency assured that it will utilize all legal remedies available to contest and nullify the ruling.

“Gagamitin namin ang lahat ng legal na paraan upang labanan at maipawalang-bisa ang desisyong ito, at ipagtanggol ang karapatan at kapakanan ng ating mga manggagawa,” Tolentino said.

The Labor chief said every worker represents a family dependent on their earnings for food, a home, and decent living.

“Hindi namin sila pababayaan. Lalaban kami hanggang masolusyunan ito at matanggap ng ating mga manggagawa ang nararapat para sa kanila,” Tolentino vowed.

On Friday, the Pasig RTC Branch 152 granted a writ of preliminary injunction at the request of two construction companies, explaining that the rights of both management and labor must be considered.