The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) today demanded the immediate and full implementation of the P85 minimum wage increase in Metro Manila, criticizing the petitioners for putting business interests ahead of workers who are already struggling with the rising cost of living.

The demand comes after the Alliance of Philippines Fishing Federations (APFF) filed a petition in Navotas Regional Trial Court (RTC), calling for the temporary suspension of the wage hike.

“It will be an attack to the workers and their families, if the Navotas RTC will allow the freezing of the measly P85 pesos increase while inflation remains unchecked,” said Kamz Deligente, CTUHR executive director.

“The Pasig RTC’s recent ruling suspending the wage hike is already an insult to workers, especially since Article 126 of the Labor Code clearly prohibits courts from issuing injunctions or temporary restraining orders against proceedings before the wage boards. For another petition to seek the same amid an already difficult economic situation is simply unconscionable,” Deligente added.

CTUHR challenges the petitioners Readycon Trading and Construction Corp., R-II Builders, and APFF to explain how the wage increase will harm their multi-million peso businesses.

Further, CTUHR welcomed the 21 senators who signed Senate Resolution No. 577 urging the Pasig court to lift the TRO. However, we are challenging the legislators to show greater political resolve in addressing the root cause of worker poverty, and do more for the working class.

“If the Senate can gather full support to defend an P85 increase, it should use that same influence to push for a P1,200 national living wage, allowing workers to live with dignity,” Deligente said.

Likewise, we call on Labor and Employment Secretary Francis N. Tolentino to go beyond challenging the TRO and elevate the discussion toward legislating a genuine living wage. We also call on the Marcos Jr. administration to urgently act on the matter and should stop relying on small and temporary relief. The administration shall also grant the calls of labor institutions in abolishing the regional wage boards and implement a national living wage across the nation.