A ₱60 increase in the daily minimum wage in Metro Manila took effect Saturday, July 25, marking the first tranche of an approved ₱85 pay hike for workers in the region.
Under Wage Order No. NCR-27, the daily minimum wage in Metro Manila rose to ₱755 from ₱695 for non-agriculture workers, and to ₱718 from ₱658 for those in agriculture and smaller establishments.
The wage adjustment, however, drew mixed reactions from Filipino netizens. Some welcomed the increase as a step toward easing financial pressures, while others raised concerns about regional disparities and potential price hikes.
Several online users noted that the wage increase is limited to Metro Manila, questioning the absence of similar adjustments nationwide.
“Ang buong Pilipinas ay dapat magkaroon ng parehong minimum na sahod,” one user said.
Others echoed the sentiment, pointing out that the hike applies only to the National Capital Region.
“Sa NCR lang tumaas.”
Some also warned of possible ripple effects on prices.
“Tapos ang bilihin tataas din.”
“NCR lang ba ang may trabaho? Pero pag mataas ang bilihin, damay lahat ng lugar.”
Meanwhile, other netizens expressed concern that the wage increase could drive up the cost of basic goods, affecting consumers across the country.
The Department of Labor and Employment said the hike seeks to boost purchasing power amid rising costs, calling it the largest increase in the region and benefiting over 1.1 million workers.
The remaining ₱25 increase will take effect on Jan. 20, 2027, raising minimum wages to ₱780 and ₱743, respectively. DOLE urged employers to comply and address wage distortions through collective bargaining.
To cushion the impact on businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises, DOLE said financial assistance will be made available. Eligible firms may also apply for exemption within a 75-day period.
Despite differing views, the government maintained that the wage order seeks to strike a balance between improving workers’ welfare and ensuring business sustainability.
