21 Senators Unite to Fight for P85 Wage Hike: A Stand for Workers' Dignity
In a rare show of unity, 21 senators have signed a resolution urging a Pasig court to immediately lift the temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking the P85 daily wage increase in Metro Manila. This is not just a legal maneuver, it is a moral stand for the 1.1 million workers who have waited too long for relief.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, who initiated the resolution on Tuesday, gathered signatures from both sides of the aisle. He said, 'I moved around and gathered signatures for cross-aisle support from all members of the majority and minority so the Senate can state clearly that the wage board's decision should be final. It should be implemented and respected by the courts.'
This is the kind of leadership we need, one that puts the welfare of our people above politics. Zubiri added, 'There should be no party lines or political colors when it comes to advancing the welfare of our workers.'
Why Did the Court Issue a TRO?
The Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 152 issued the TRO on July 30, suspending the wage hike until August 13. This came after a petition from two construction firms, Readycon Trading and Construction Corp. and R-II Builders Inc. The first tranche of P60 took effect on July 25, with the remaining P25 scheduled for January 20, 2027. The TRO now threatens to delay these gains.
Zubiri invoked Republic Act No. 6727, the Wage Rationalization Act, which prohibits courts from issuing injunctions or TROs against wage board proceedings. He argued, 'Let the Labor Code prevail and allow the P85 increase to reach the workers who have already waited long enough. We must not allow just one petition to prolong the wait of 1.1 million workers and their families.'
Who Did Not Sign the Resolution?
Three senators did not sign: Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada, who are jailed, and Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, who has been in hiding since the International Criminal Court's arrest order against him was first floated in November 2025. Their absence highlights the challenges we face, but it does not diminish the resolve of the majority.
What Does This Mean for Workers and Families?
While the wage increase is on hold, Zubiri lamented that there is no TRO preventing bills from piling up or against the continued rise in prices of goods, transportation fares, and food. He said, 'We respectfully but firmly appeal to Branch 152 to lift the TRO immediately. Allow the wage-setting system created by law to work and let our workers receive the relief already granted to them.'
This is a fight for dignity. As Zubiri put it, 'The Senate will stand with our workers until this wage increase reaches their hands. This is not a favor or a handout, but a recognition of the value of their work and of every family's right to a life of dignity.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the P85 wage hike and who does it cover?
The P85 daily wage hike applies to workers in Metro Manila. The first tranche of P60 took effect on July 25, raising pay to P780 in the non-agriculture sector and P743 in other sectors. The second tranche of P25 is set for January 20, 2027.
Why did the court issue a TRO?
The Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 152 issued the TRO on July 30, following a petition by two construction firms. The TRO suspends the wage hike until August 13, pending further hearings.
What are senators doing to lift the TRO?
Twenty-one senators signed Senate Resolution No. 577, urging the court to lift the TRO immediately. They argue that the Wage Rationalization Act prohibits courts from interfering with wage board decisions.
Photo: Inquirer.net