Minimum wage hikes granted in 14 regions in 2025 – DOLE

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday said minimum wage hikes for private sector workers were approved across 14 regions in the country in 2025.

In a statement, the DOLE said the wage adjustments were consistent with the National Wages and Productivity Commission’s (NWPC) policy on regular, moderate and predictable minimum wage increases.

The daily minimum wage increase granted this year were for workers in private establishments in the National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Regions I, II, III, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XII, and XIII.

The wage hikes ranged from P20 to P100.

“All wage orders were issued motu proprio, majority of which were issued unanimously by the concerned RTWPBs (Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards),” the DOLE said.

The DOLE said the wage increases were made to take effect after the anniversary date of the previous wage orders to reinforce policy stability that helps create an environment attractive to investments, which are needed to generate more decent, remunerative and productive employment.

Metro Manila remains the region with the highest daily minimum wage rate, ranging from P658 to P695 for workers in private establishments, according to the DOLE.

“Meanwhile, RTWPBs XI and V are expected to commence their minimum wage determination processes in January and February 2026, respectively,” the agency said.

Moreover, the DOLE said 11 wage orders granting monthly minimum wage increases for domestic workers or “kasambahays” were also issued by RTWPBs in CAR, Regions I, II, III, MIMAROPA, VI, VII, VIII, X, XII, and XIII. 

The increases ranged from P300 to P2,000 per month.  

“More than 4.5 million minimum wage earners in the private sector, along with 755,000 domestic workers, benefited from the wage orders issued by the RTWPBs in 2025,” the DOLE said.

“Wage orders were issued in consultation with workers and employers to ensure balance between protection and needs, reasonable returns on investments and employment generation,” it added.

Around eight million full-time wage and salary workers earning above the minimum wage are also expected to indirectly benefit from wage adjustments at the enterprise level, arising from the correction of wage distortions. 

“Wage distortion occurs when the implementation of a mandated wage increase (i.e. wage order) results in the elimination or severe contraction of intentional quantitative differences in wage or salary rates between and among employee groups in an establishment. NWPC Advisory No. 01, Series of 2023 provides guidance to correct possible wage distortions,” the DOLE said.

The NWPC and RTWPBs closely monitor region-specific socioeconomic indicators, in coordination with key government agencies such as the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Energy (DOE), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) “to ensure that regional wage policies are informed by current economic conditions, sectoral performance, productivity trends, and regional development priorities.”

“This allows wage-setting decisions to remain responsive, evidence-based, and context-sensitive, aligning them with ILO Convention No. 131 (Minimum Wage Fixing Convention, 1970) and the ILO Minimum Wage Fixing Guide (2016),” the DOLE said.

Five RTWPBs in Regions II, III, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and VII were assisted by NWPC to simplify their wage structures and successfully implement streamlining in accordance with the Omnibus Rules on Minimum Wage Determination, as amended, and NWPC Resolution No. 04, Series of 2024 which encourages the RTWPBs to regularly review their wage classifications to ensure consistency with socioeconomic demographics.

The DOLE said the initiative aims to ensure clarity and enhance minimum wage compliance, ultimately supporting a more efficient and transparent wage system for both employers and workers.

It added that through the NWPC, it provides for an exemption mechanism for calamity-affected enterprises following the several typhoons that hit the country and caused significant challenges to businesses in affected areas. 

“Enterprises may inquire and apply through the RTWPB with jurisdiction over their business areas whether they may be eligible for a full exemption or for a specific minimum wage tranche, if any,” it said.

The DOLE also urged businesses and workers to avail of existing DOLE programs, such as the Adjustment Measures Program (AMP), and take full advantage of the opportunities available to reduce and mitigate vulnerabilities from economic disruptions, including those resulting from natural calamities. — JMA, GMA Integrated News