By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The National Federation of Labor Unions (NAFLU) has condemned the approval of a new Metro Manila wage order granting a ₱60 daily increase, saying it effectively sidelines the full ₱85 adjustment previously approved under Wage Order No. NCR-27.
NAFLU accused the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-NCR of undermining workers’ interests and questioned the process that led to Wage Order No. NCR-28.
NCR-27 provided an ₱85 increase in two tranches, with ₱60 scheduled to take effect in July and another ₱25 on Jan. 20, 2027. Its implementation was halted by court orders amid a legal challenge from employers.
The RTWPB-NCR approved NCR-28 on Sept. 7 through a 4-3 vote. The new order would raise the minimum wage for non-agricultural workers from ₱695 to ₱755 a day, subject to confirmation by the National Wages and Productivity Commission.
Other labor groups have also opposed the new order, calling for the implementation of NCR-27 and the full ₱85 increase.
DOLE, however, said the ₱60 adjustment under NCR-28 should not be considered a reduction of the ₱85 under NCR-27, arguing that the earlier order has yet to be implemented because of the ongoing court proceedings.
The NWPC is now reviewing NCR-28, which could take effect later this month if confirmed and published.
ia/xf
