A party-list lawmaker has warned that the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by a Pasig court against the implementation of the ₱85 wage increase for workers in the National Capital Region (NCR) could create a precedent affecting future wage adjustments nationwide.
Kamanggagawa party-list Rep. Eli San Fernando said the court order may encourage employers in other regions to challenge future wage orders through the courts.
In an interview with Brigada NewsFM Manila, San Fernando said companies outside Metro Manila could adopt the same legal strategy if regional wage boards approve salary increases for workers.
He argued that Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino should have maintained support for the implementation of the wage order despite the issuance of the TRO.
San Fernando said he was disappointed with the labor secretary’s response, saying the Department of Labor and Employment should defend workers’ rights and the wage order instead of allowing the court action to halt its implementation.
The lawmaker also urged Tolentino to stand with workers and pursue available legal remedies to challenge the TRO.
According to San Fernando, labor groups plan to seek legal intervention in the case. He said they are scheduled to file a motion for intervention on Monday, together with other labor organizations, to participate as respondents in the court proceedings.
The Pasig Regional Trial Court earlier issued a TRO stopping the implementation of the ₱85 wage increase in Metro Manila. The order has drawn criticism from labor advocates, who argue that delaying the wage adjustment affects workers already facing rising living costs.
The legal dispute is expected to continue as labor groups pursue court action aimed at defending the wage order and seeking its implementation.
