THE Pasig Regional Trial Court has issued a temporary restraining order halting the implementation of the ₱85 daily minimum wage increase in the National Capital Region.
In an eight‑page order dated July 30, Presiding Judge Marie Joyce Manongsong granted the petition filed by Readycon Trading and Construction Corp. and R‑II Builders, Inc., barring the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board‑NCR and the National Wages and Productivity Commission from enforcing Wage Order No. 27 until August 13. The ruling came after an initial status quo ante order was issued on July 24, just one day before the wage hike was set to take effect.
The court explained that a TRO is warranted only when there is extreme urgency and a clear risk of grave, irreparable injury, which the petitioners were able to sufficiently demonstrate.
It also noted that the decision was made recognizing the interdependence of employers and workers rather than viewing their interests as opposed, but found the case’s unique circumstances justified a temporary pause. The order is conditional upon the petitioners posting a ₱1‑million bond, with a hearing on the application for a preliminary injunction scheduled for August 3 at 9:00 a.m.
Labor groups have strongly questioned the legality of the TRO. Federation of Free Workers president Atty. Sonny Matula pointed out that the Labor Code explicitly prohibits courts from issuing injunctions or restraining orders against proceedings or orders from the wage commissions and regional boards.
He expressed dismay that the RTC issued the very measure the law forbids, despite recognizing the statutory prohibition. Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said the petition seeks to deny Metro Manila workers a long‑overdue adjustment, noting that even the full ₱85 increase is already inadequate amid steep rises in food, transport, energy, and housing costs.
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino acknowledged the decision with sadness but said the Department of Labor and Employment will respect and comply with the court’s ruling. The suspension covers both tranches of the increase, including the ₱60 portion that was supposed to take effect on July 25. Parties have been directed to submit evidence for and against the injunction before the scheduled hearing, as the case proceeds to determine whether the wage order should be permanently enjoined or allowed to take effect.
metrosundaily
