MANILA, Philippines — Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino signed an administrative order setting out internal guidelines to strengthen compliance with wage order across the country.
Administrative Order (AO) No. 264, Series of 2026 guides DOLE Regional Offices and Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) on compliance with wage orders under Articles 122, 123, 124, 126, and 128 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended.
This is to ensure that workers receive the mandated wage increases while providing support mechanisms for covered enterprises, said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
“The issuance supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to protect workers’ rights and promote fair and decent wages while ensuring that businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), are given appropriate mechanisms to comply with wage regulations,” it said.
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As stated in the order, DOLE, through its regional offices and RTWPBs, shall ensure that approved wage orders are effective and immediately executory 15 calendar days after its complete publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) and RTWPBs are likewise directed to continuously monitor wage order implementation and compliance within their respective jurisdictions through the labor inspectorate system.
“To support MSMEs, the RTWPBs are directed to simplify mechanisms for establishments covered by wage order exemptions within the prescribed 75-calendar-day period from publication of a wage order, pursuant to NWPC rules,” DOLE said. /jpv