Malacañang on Wednesday assured workers outside Metro Manila that they are expected to receive wage increases before the end of the year following the approval of an P85 daily minimum wage hike in the National Capital Region.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards to continue evaluating wage adjustments across the country.

“Sa utos ni Pangulong Marcos Jr., patuloy ang pag-aaral na ginagawa ng Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards upang magpatupad ng salary increase sa iba pang rehiyon,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.

She added that the President is optimistic additional wage increases in the regions will be implemented in the coming months, or before the end of 2026.

According to Castro, the administration has recorded the highest number of wage increases over the past four years, underscoring its commitment to improving the welfare of Filipino workers.

She said Marcos continues to prioritize workers' welfare by pursuing higher wages and better living conditions for employees.

Since 2023, the average increase per wage order has reached seven percent. With the latest P85 increase in Metro Manila, the cumulative approved wage increase for minimum wage earners in the region now stands at P210.

The statement came as the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) criticized the P85 wage increase, disputing the Department of Labor and Employment's claim that it was historic.

The labor group said the increase remains inadequate given the decline in workers' purchasing power and noted that it will be implemented in tranches, delaying the release of the full amount.

The TUCP has renewed its call for a P200 daily wage increase for minimum wage workers nationwide.