Supreme Court reviews Metro Manila wage hike as PHP85 increase faces legal challenge

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 28, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Supreme Court of the Philippines

MANILA – The PHP85 minimum wage increase in Metro Manila is now before the Supreme Court after labor groups challenged lower court orders that temporarily halted its implementation.

The Supreme Court has given the respondents 10 days to comment on the petition filed by labor groups led by Kampihan ng Maralita at Manggagawa Party-list.

The petition seeks to overturn orders issued by the Regional Trial Courts of Pasig and Navotas, which suspended the implementation of Wage Order No. NCR-27.

The Pasig court issued a status quo ante order, temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction preventing wage authorities from enforcing the increase following challenges from Readycon Trading and Construction Corp. and R-II Builders Inc.

A separate case in Navotas also resulted in a status quo ante order involving the Alliance of Philippine Fishing Federations.

The labor groups argued that wage board decisions should be challenged through the appeal process provided under the law rather than through court proceedings.

The Supreme Court’s action does not yet resolve whether the PHP85 increase will take effect. The case now moves forward as the parties submit their arguments to the high tribunal.