Sen. Kiko Pangilinan doubled down on the Senate’s call to lift the temporary restraining order blocking Metro Manila’s ₱85 minimum wage increase, saying workers deserve to receive the pay hike approved through the regional wage-setting process.
The TRO has triggered protests outside the Pasig Regional Trial Court and the Department of Labor and Employment, while support for its removal has grown across party lines, including from 21 senators who have jointly urged that it be lifted.
Pangilinan said the wage increase would provide much-needed relief to families struggling with the rising cost of living. He noted that workers had already gone through the legally mandated wage-board process before the adjustment was approved.
“Para sa marami, malaking bagay ito sa pang araw-araw na gastusin. Para sa ating mga manggagawa, pag-asa lang po natin ay makita ang bunga ng tamang prosesong dinaanan,” Pangilinan said.
He added that the additional income was meant to help workers provide for their families.
“Ang karagdagang sahod na ito ay para sa kanilang pamilyang uuwian, at para sa tahanang pinagsisikapang itaguyod,” Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan also cited the Labor Code provisions governing regional wage boards. The Senate resolution he backed argues that courts are barred from issuing injunctions against wage-board proceedings to prevent legal challenges from delaying approved wage increases.
Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 152 issued the TRO on July 30, suspending the wage order. The increase consists of an initial ₱60 adjustment, followed by another ₱25 on Jan. 20, 2027, for a total increase of ₱85.
The wage increase has the support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who called for higher wages nationwide during his fifth State of the Nation Address.
The Department of Labor and Employment has also voiced its opposition to the court’s order.
Kamanggagawa Party-list Rep. Eli San Fernando said Metro Manila workers are losing an estimated ₱60 million every day that the wage increase remains suspended.
