The first tranche of an overall P85 daily minimum wage increase in the National Capital Region (NCR) takes effect today, raising daily minimum pay by P60 across Metro Manila.

Under Wage Order No. NCR-27, the initial adjustment increases the minimum salary for non-agriculture sector workers from P695 to P755 per day.

The daily rate for workers in agriculture, service and retail establishments employing 15 or fewer workers, and manufacturing firms with fewer than 10 regular workers rises from P658 to P718.

The adjustment represents the largest wage increase in Metro Manila to date, directly benefiting more than 1.1 million minimum-wage workers in the capital region.

Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Secretary Francis N. Tolentino said the wage hike, ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aims to boost purchasing power and cushion workers against inflation and rising electricity costs.

Tolentino reminded employers to comply with the new wage order, citing that non-compliance carries statutory penalties. He also urged labor and management to resolve wage distortion — the adjustment of salaries above the minimum wage threshold — through collective bargaining agreements.

To support business owners, DoLE will offer financial assistance to affected micro, small, and medium enterprises. Qualified businesses may also apply for an exemption within a 75-day filing window.

The remaining P25 increase of the approved package will take effect 20 January 2027. Upon full implementation, the daily minimum wage in Metro Manila will reach P780 for the non-agriculture sector and P743 for the agriculture, services, retail, and small manufacturing sectors.