First tranche of NCR wage hike to take effect July 25, 2026 — DOLE

The first tranche of the P85 increase in the minimum daily wage in the National Capital Region (NCR) will take effect on July 25, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Friday.

The department said the first tranche of the wage increase, or P60, will take effect 15 days after the NCR wage board’s decision is published in a newspaper of general circulation, according to Tuesday Niu’s report on Super Radyo dzBB.

The second tranche amounting to P25 will be implemented in January 2027.

Last week, DOLE announced that around 1.1 million minimum wage earners in Metro Manila are set to receive the P85 daily wage increase in two tranches. Once fully implemented, non-agricultural workers earning P695 per day will receive P780, while agricultural workers’ daily wages will increase to P743 from P685.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) are expected to issue their recommendations on wage adjustments in their respective regions starting September.

Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), had opposed the wage increase, saying some businesses may not be able to afford the additional costs.

However, Ortiz-Luis, who also serves as chairman emeritus of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said business owners will comply with the DOLE mandate. —Sundy Locus/VBL, GMA News