AROUND 1.1 million minimum wage workers in Metro Manila will receive a total daily wage increase of ₱85, to be implemented in two stages up to January 2027, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced on Tuesday.
The adjustment aims to help workers cope with rising living costs and improve their purchasing power amid current economic conditions.
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino explained that the first tranche of ₱60 will take effect on July 19, 2026, while the remaining ₱25 will be added starting January 20, 2027. Once fully implemented, the daily rate for non‑agricultural workers will rise from ₱695 to ₱780, while agricultural workers will see their pay increase from ₱685 to ₱743 per day.
Tolentino noted that the wage adjustment was based on several key factors, including the rate of inflation, higher electricity rates, and the increasing cost of basic commodities. The decision also considered the need to ensure workers in the capital region can maintain a decent standard of living. This development comes as similar wage reviews and adjustments are being considered or approved in other regions across the country to address the financial needs of the workforce.
