28/08/2026
๐๐ญ๐๐ญ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐๐ง ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐ฐ๐๐ ๐ ๐ข๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ๐
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses concern over the continued suspension of the minimum wage increase under NCR Wage Order No. 27, issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity BoardโNational Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR). While respecting the independence of the judiciary and the right of all parties to pursue legal remedies, the Commission stresses that prolonged delays in wage adjustments have real consequences for workersโ economic security and their ability to live with dignity.
The wage order provides for an โฑ85 increase in the daily minimum wage of covered workers in Metro Manila, to be implemented in two tranches. Its implementation, however, was suspended through judicial orders, initially through a temporary restraining order and later through a writ of preliminary injunction, while the underlying legal issues remain pending.
Proceedings involving workersโ wages carry real and immediate consequences for workers and their families. For millions of Filipino workers, wages determine whether families can afford food, transportation, housing, education, health care, and other basic necessities. As the cost of living continues to place significant pressure on low-income households and daily wage earners, delays in measures intended to augment workersโ incomes may further deepen their economic insecurity.
The right to work includes the right to just and favourable conditions of work, including fair remuneration that enables workers and their families to live with dignity. A minimum wage must therefore be understood not only in terms of economic policy, but also in relation to the Stateโs broader obligation to advance social justice and protect workersโ economic and social rights.
At the same time, the Commission recognizes the legitimate concerns of employers, including business sustainability and the preservation of employment. These concerns must be addressed through meaningful social dialogue and the mechanisms provided by law, with due regard to the welfare and dignity of workers who bear the immediate impact of rising prices and inadequate incomes.
CHR therefore calls for the expeditious resolution of the pending legal issues surrounding NCR Wage Order No. 27. Prolonged uncertainty should not leave workers and their families in a state of economic insecurity, particularly when the wage adjustment resulted from the countryโs established tripartite wage-setting process.
The Commission urges all concerned institutions and stakeholders to ensure that the resolution of this matter remains guided by social justice, meaningful participation, and respect for the rights and dignity of workers. Whatever legal remedies are pursued, the human impact of delayed wage adjustments must remain central to the process.
CHR remains steadfast in safeguarding the rights of Filipino workers and advancing conditions that enable every person to work, provide for their families, and live in dignity.
