Marcos: Regional wage boards may decide pay hikes by Q4

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said some regions may have to wait until the fourth quarter of 2026 before their respective wage boards decide on proposed wage increases.

The statement came after the Department of Labor and Employment recently announced a P85 increase in the daily minimum wage for workers in Metro Manila, marking the largest wage hike ever approved by the National Capital Region’s wage board.

READ: Dole: ‘Historic’ P85 wage hike set for Metro Manila workers

“As for the regions, that may take a while longer. Some are expected around September or October,” Marcos said in Filipino in an ambush interview in Pulilan, Bulacan.

“Once they complete their study, they will release the results, along with the recommendations of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards for the different regions, so we can better support our working citizens,” he added.

The P85 daily wage increase in the National Capital Region will raise the daily minimum wage from P695 to P780.

For those in the agricultural sector, service and retail establishments with 15 or fewer employees, and manufacturing establishments in Metro Manila with fewer than 10 workers, the wage will increase from P658 to P743.

READ: Labor groups: P85 wage hike must not derail salary increase bill

The wage hike will be implemented in two tranches: P60 effective July 19, 2026, and an additional P25 effective in January 2027.

Luke Espiritu, president of Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, called the P85 daily minimum wage hike an “insult” and a “slap” in the face, urging lawmakers to pass a legislated wage increase. /mcm