The Senate on Wednesday unanimously called for the immediate lifting of a temporary restraining order (TRO) that halted the implementation of the P85 daily minimum wage increase in Metro Manila, arguing that the move undermines the wage-setting system established under the Labor Code.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri said all senators signed Senate Resolution No. 577, which expresses support for Filipino workers and urges respect for the decisions of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR), the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

"Let the Labor Code prevail and allow the P85 increase to reach the workers who have already waited long enough," Zubiri said in a statement. "Hindi puwedeng ang isang petisyon ng iilan ang magpapahintay sa mahigit 1.1 milyong manggagawa at kanilang mga pamilya."

In the resolution, senators cited Article 126 of the Labor Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 6727 or the Wage Rationalization Act, which states that no court, tribunal or other entity may issue injunctions or restraining orders against proceedings conducted by the NWPC or regional wage boards.

Zubiri warned that allowing the TRO to stand could create a precedent that would make future wage increases vulnerable to legal challenges across the country.

"Otherwise, it would set a bad precedent because if a P30 increase is approved in Cagayan de Oro or Northern Mindanao, anyone could just go to a friendly court and seek a restraining order," he said.

The Senate resolution also backs legal efforts by DOLE, the NWPC and the RTWPB-NCR to enforce the wage order and defend the integrity of the regional wage-setting mechanism.

Last week, Branch 152 of the Pasig City Regional Trial Court issued a TRO suspending Wage Order No. NCR-27 following a petition filed by construction firms Readycon Trading and Construction Corp. and R-II Builders Inc.

The order temporarily halted the implementation of the wage increase until Aug. 13 while the court considers the petition.

The RTWPB-NCR approved the P85 wage increase in July after consultations among labor, employer and government representatives and a review of prevailing economic conditions. Under the wage order, a P60 increase took effect on July 25, while the remaining P25 is scheduled to be implemented on Jan. 20, 2027.

Once fully implemented, the daily minimum wage in Metro Manila will rise to P780 for workers in the non-agriculture sector and P743 for those in other covered sectors.

Labor organizations have condemned the court order, saying it delays much-needed income adjustments for workers facing high living costs. Business groups, meanwhile, have argued that the wage increase could add pressure on companies still recovering from economic challenges and may affect employment, particularly among small enterprises.

Zubiri said the Senate's action reflected broad bipartisan support for the wage increase.

"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," 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."

The Pasig court is scheduled to hear arguments on the petition before the TRO expires on Aug. 13. Pending further action by the court, implementation of the second tranche of the wage increase remains uncertain.