Metro Manila minimum wage to rise by ₱85 in two tranches starting July

First ₱60 increase takes effect July 19, with remaining ₱25 set for January 2027.

Metro Manila wages are set to increase by ₱85 across all industries, with the first tranche taking effect in July, in a move that will raise take-home pay for minimum wage earners but also reignite debate over whether the adjustment is enough amid rising living costs.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced on June 30 that the wage increase will be implemented in two stages, marking a phased rollout designed to ease the transition for both workers and employers.

Under the approved adjustment, an initial ₱60 increase will take effect on July 19, followed by the remaining ₱25 tranche in January 2027, completing the total ₱85 wage hike.

Once fully implemented, the daily minimum wage in Metro Manila will rise to ₱780 from ₱695, providing incremental relief to workers as prices of basic goods and services continue to weigh on household budgets.

For workers in the agricultural sector and employees in service establishments with 15 workers or fewer, the minimum wage will increase from ₱658 to ₱743 after the full adjustment takes effect.

DOLE has not announced further adjustments beyond the approved order, but the staggered implementation reflects a cautious approach that gives businesses time to absorb higher labor costs.

Labor groups, however, said the increase remains insufficient amid persistent inflation, renewing their call for a ₱1,200 national daily minimum wage, which they argue is more aligned with current cost-of-living conditions.