The temporary restraining order (TRO) halting the implementation of the P85 daily minimum wage increase in Metro Manila remains in effect after a hearing before the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 252 on Monday.
The hearing was attended by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), petitioner Redicon Construction Company, and observers from the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition. According to the labor group, the court did not lift the TRO but instead directed the parties to comment on Nagkaisa's urgent motion to intervene so it could participate in the succeeding proceedings.
The OSG and the petitioner were given three days to submit their comments, while the court is expected to act on the motion within 10 days.
The OSG also formally manifested its request to lift the TRO, arguing that it is contrary to the Labor Code, which states that only the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) has jurisdiction over petitions involving wage adjustments.
The wage increase, approved by the National Capital Region Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, was originally scheduled to take effect on July 25 and was set to be implemented in two tranches totaling P85. The TRO will remain in force pending further court action.
