NCR Employers Uphold Wage Hike Amidst P10 Billion Bond and Court Order

Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino

NCR Employers Uphold Wage Hike Amidst P10 Billion Bond and Court Order

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | August 14, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – In a groundswell of support for workers, despite legal hurdles, a remarkable display of corporate responsibility and commitment to their workforce is evident as a growing number of employers in the National Capital Region (NCR) defiantly uphold the recently mandated wage increase. This courageous stance comes despite a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) from the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) and the unprecedented demand for a P10 billion bond, underscoring a powerful narrative of prioritizing employee welfare over legal complexities.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino have publicly championed the wage adjustment, and their unwavering support has emboldened a segment of the business community to move forward with the increase. These employers are not only implementing the hike but are also leveraging their official social media platforms to proudly declare their continued commitment to fair wages.

Labor Secretary Tolentino, in a recent interview, expressed profound gratitude for these proactive companies. “We are thankful for the companies that have voluntarily abided by Wage Order No. 27. These include REGASCO, an LPG distributor; a bulaluhan in Caloocan; and Meals on Wheels – a total of five smaller companies that, despite the TRO, have chosen to comply. We commend their voluntary compliance.”

This movement extends beyond large corporations. ChizMozza, a Quezon City-based food stand, exemplifies this dedication. In a powerful Facebook statement, they affirmed: “Even if the implemented wage increase for our NCR employees is affected by the TRO, the wage increase will continue. This is our way of showing gratitude and recognizing their hard work, dedication, and significant contribution to Chizmozza’s continued growth over the past decade.” Their message resonates with a deep appreciation for the backbone of their business.

Similarly, Caloocan’s “Bulalohan sa 1st” declared on its online platform, “At Bulalohan sa 1st, people come first. Despite the temporary suspension of DOLE Wage Order No. NCR-27, we chose to continue the wage increase for our staff. Our belief is simple – the people who make up Bulalohan deserve fair wages and support. Thank you for your continued trust and support. With every order, you are helping our Bulalohan family.” This profound statement highlights a human-centric business philosophy.

Mandaluyong City’s “Meals in Minutes” also joined the ranks, stating unequivocally: “Meals in Minutes strictly complies with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) wage increase order. The new wage rates are applied to all employees effective immediately, in full observance of labor standards. We value our people; no delays on what is right.” Their message is a clear and concise declaration of ethical business practice.

Legal Battle Intensifies: DOLE Stands Firm Against TRO

The genesis of this legal battle dates back to July 30, when the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against Wage Order No. NCR-27. This order, which went into effect on July 25, mandated an P85 daily wage increase for minimum wage earners in the NCR.

Atty. Sarah Buena S. Mirasol, DOLE-NCR Regional Director and Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-NCR Chairperson, emphatically defended the legality of the wage increase. She asserted that the decision was a product of due process, following meticulous tripartite consultations involving government, workers, and employers. “We went through the process. It was a discussion among the members of the Board, and all were given the opportunity. We discussed the various positions and comments from labor, employers, as well as the government. We are confident that we followed due process and the process as provided in the guidelines for minimum wage fixing,” she stated.

Secretary Tolentino further reinforced DOLE’s unwavering resolve, confirming that the department is collaborating with the Office of the Solicitor General to vigorously challenge the Pasig RTC’s TRO. “DOLE’s position is to push for the wage hike because we are the witnesses here,” he declared. “We are the ones attesting that the process was correct, that the P60 and P25 increase were correct. Everything followed the Labor Code of the Philippines.”

The P10 Billion Bond: A Staggering Obstacle

The Pasig RTC’s order, stemming from a petition by Readycon Trading and Construction Corporation and R-II Builders Inc., for Declaratory Relief with a Prayer for Preliminary Injunction, Temporary Restraining Order, and/or Status Quo Ante Order, has undeniably thrown a wrench into the wage hike’s immediate, universal implementation.

In its ruling, the court acknowledged the potential for “work terminations” and other “grim consequences” as reasons for momentarily enjoining the wage order. However, in a move that has drawn significant attention, the court demanded a staggering ten-billion-peso bond (PhP10,000,000,000.00) as a prerequisite for the preliminary injunction.

The court’s decision, while aiming to “preserve the status quo,” acknowledges “the possible damage or burdens accruing to the millions of workers across the region on account of this injunctive order.” Yet, the colossal bond places an immense financial burden on the petitioners, raising questions about the practicality and accessibility of such legal recourse.

This unfolding scenario in the NCR presents a compelling narrative: on one side, employers demonstrating remarkable initiative and a genuine commitment to their workforce, and on the other, a legal battle that pits the principle of fair wages against significant financial and procedural hurdles. The outcome of this struggle will undoubtedly set a powerful precedent for labor rights and corporate responsibility in the Philippines.

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