Tension erupted outside the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Office in Intramuros, Manila, on Monday as protesters clashed with security guards and police during a rally calling for a higher minimum wage in Metro Manila.
In a RH Tina Nolasco's report on DZRH, the demonstrators demanded an ₱85 daily wage increase in the National Capital Region (NCR), rejecting what they described as adjustments that would offset the wage hike.
The tensions escalated after protesters placed a banner over the DOLE logo, prompting police and security guards to remove it as demonstrators resisted.
The protesters also called for the removal of DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino.
Last week, DOLE announce the approval of a ₱60 daily wage increase for minimum wage earners in Metro Manila, effective September 26, 2026.
Under Wage Order No. NCR-28, the minimum daily wage for non-agricultural workers will rise from ₱695 to ₱755. Agricultural workers will also receive a ₱60 increase.
Meanwhile, the implementation of the P85 wage increase in NCR remains suspended following the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 152’s issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction.
