Labor groups file motion vs TRO on P85 wage hike in Metro Manila

Several labor groups, unions, and political parties representing workers on Monday filed a motion urging a Pasig City court to lift its order stopping the P85 minimum wage increase in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“Ito na mga boss, 'yung ating motion for intervention para hamunin 'yung [temporary restraining order] na nilabas ng Pasig RTC Branch 152,” Kamanggagawa Representative Eli San Fernando said during a Facebook livestream.

(This is it, bosses, our motion for intervention to challenge the temporary restraining order issued by Pasig RTC Branch 152.)

“Ilalaban natin ito hanggang dulo, mga boss. Hindi po pwede na bawiin at agawin 'yung sahod na para sa mga manggagawa. Laban tayo, mga boss,” he added.

(We will fight for this until the end, bosses. They cannot take back and take away the wage increase that is meant for the workers. Let’s fight, bosses.)

San Fernando called the TRO against the minimum pay hike illegal.

Labor organizations under the Nagkaisa labor coalition, including Partido Manggagawa (PM), will also file a motion for intervention to oppose the TRO.

PM chairperson Renato Magtubo said the intervention will argue that the RTC has no jurisdiction to stop the implementation of a wage order, as the Labor Code expressly prohibits courts from issuing injunctions or TROs against proceedings and decisions of the wage boards.

"More than a legal error, however, the TRO reflects a disturbing lack of empathy and social sensitivity toward millions of workers who continue to struggle with soaring prices while waiting for long-overdue wage relief," he said.

He said they call on the judge to immediately dismiss the petition filed against the wage hilke.

"It is deeply unjust that the plea of a handful of wealthy corporations was acted upon with such urgency while the daily hardship of minimum wage earners received little consideration. Courts should not become instruments for delaying the constitutional commitment to social justice by shielding powerful business interests at the expense of workers who can barely make ends meet," said Magtubo.

He further sad the incident underscores the urgent need for Congress to enact the proposed ₱200 legislated wage hike and undertake comprehensive reforms of the prevailing wage determination system.

Meanwhile, a group of workers staged a protest in front of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Manila, according to a report of Super Radyo dzBB's Manny Vargas.

“𝗗𝗢𝗟𝗘, 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗕𝗜”

Grupo ng mga manggagawa, sumugod sa tanggapan ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sa Maynila. | via @VargasMannysen pic.twitter.com/EolQCplm5u

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) August 3, 2026

DOLE chief Francis Tolentino faced the protesters.

𝗠𝗚𝗔 𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗬𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗔, 𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗣 𝗡𝗜 𝗧𝗢𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗢

Mga raliyista sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) kaugnay ng minimum wage hike, hinarap ni Sec. Francis Tolentino. | via @VargasMannysen pic.twitter.com/emKRA3zoQ3

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) August 3, 2026

"Puwede ba ako magtaas ng boses. Kanina pa kayo nagtataas ng boses (Can I raise my voice? You've been raising your voice for a while now),” Tolentino said.

“Kaysa maniwala kayo sa mga interview, magkakaharap tayo ngayon, ito ang pakinggan ninyo. Pinaglalaban. Sabi ko nga kalma lang kayo. Pinapataas ninyo pa ang dugo ko. Tignan natin kung anong mangyari. Alas-nuebe naghi-hearing, 10 minutes na,” he added.

(Instead of believing the interviews, listen to our discussion now. We're fighting. I told you to calm down. You're making my blood boil. Let's see what happens. The hearing is at nine o'clock, it's been 10 minutes.)

Tolentino in a separate statement addressed concerns over the temporary suspension of the implementation of the P85 daily wage increase for workers in Metro Manila after the Pasig Regional Trial Court issued a TRO.

He acknowledged the concerns of workers and labor groups affected by the court order but stressed that the department would remain focused on carrying out its mandate despite the challenges.

The DOLE would handle the case before the Pasig RTC through the appropriate legal process, according to Tolentino. —Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA News