Regional workers can expect minimum wage increases before the end of the year following a recent 85-peso hike in Metro Manila, Malacañang Palace announced Wednesday.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said during a press briefing that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed all Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards to review and implement salary adjustments in their respective areas.

“Under the order of President Marcos Jr., the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards are continuously conducting studies to implement salary increases in other regions,” Castro said.

Castro noted that the President expects these additional regional adjustments to take effect in the coming months or before the end of 2026.

According to the Palace, the current administration has recorded the highest number of wage increases over the past four years.

Since 2023, the average increase per wage order has reached 7 percent. With the latest P85 adjustment in the National Capital Region, the total approved salary increase under the administration has reached P210.

However, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) criticized the recent Metro Manila hike, disputing the Department of Labor and Employment’s claim that the adjustment was historic.

The labor group called the increase grossly inadequate to counter the decline in workers’ purchasing power. The TUCP also criticized the decision to release the wage hike in tranches, which it said forces employees to wait months for the full amount.

The TUCP has called for a uniform P200 increase for minimum wage earners nationwide.