Minimum wage earners in the National Capital Region (NCR) will see an immediate boost in their daily pay starting today, July 25, as the first tranche of the newly approved Wage Order No. NCR-27 takes effect. The initial adjustment provides a PHP 60 daily wage increase across all sectors in Metro Manila.
Under the new wage order, daily rates for workers in the non-agriculture sector will rise from PHP 695 to PHP 755. Meanwhile, workers in the agriculture sector, service and retail establishments employing 15 or fewer workers, and manufacturing firms with fewer than 10 regular employees will see their daily minimum pay increase from PHP 658 to PHP 718.
This wage adjustment marks the largest single increase in Metro Manila’s history to date, directly benefiting over 1.1 million minimum-wage workers in the region.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis N. Tolentino highlighted that the adjustment directly aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives to enhance the quality of life for the Filipino workforce. The increase aims to bolster the purchasing power of families amid ongoing economic pressures, including inflation and rising utility expenses.
“DOLE remains steadfast in its mandate to protect and improve the lives of our workers while maintaining a balanced approach that supports both labor and management,” Secretary Tolentino stated.
The Labor Chief reminded all covered employers in the NCR to strictly comply with the wage order, warning that non-compliance will face legal penalties prescribed by law. To address potential wage distortion—where the pay gap between minimum wage earners and higher-salaried employees narrows—Secretary Tolentino encouraged labor and management to resolve adjustments through collective bargaining agreements or workplace dispute mechanisms.
Recognizing the economic impact on smaller businesses, DOLE assured that financial assistance will be made available to affected micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Qualified enterprises may also apply for wage hike exemptions within a 75-day period from the order’s effectivity.
The second phase of the total PHP 85 increase—an additional PHP 25—is scheduled to take effect on January 20, 2027. Upon full implementation, the daily minimum wage in Metro Manila will reach PHP 780 for the non-agriculture sector and PHP 743 for the agriculture, service, retail, and small manufacturing sectors.
