The Department of Labor and Employment announced a P50 daily minimum wage increase for private sector workers in Metro Manila, raising rates to P695 for non-agriculture and P658 for agriculture and small business sectors starting July 18.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said this was the highest increase granted by the NCR wage board since 2022, benefiting around 1.2 million workers directly.
However, labor groups criticized the hike as insufficient, calling it an “insult” amid soaring living costs and urging President Marcos to support a legislated P200 wage increase.
Critics argue the P50 hike, just a 7.75% increase, falls short of helping workers cope with inflation and everyday expenses.
Protests continue nationwide, with a major demonstration planned during the State of the Nation Address on July 28.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 1, 2025
