MANILA, Philippines — Tensions flared during the House Committee on Appropriations hearing on the proposed budget of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as lawmakers clashed over the delayed implementation of the ₱85 minimum wage increase in Metro Manila.
Lawmakers questioned DOLE’s position on the enforcement of Wage Order No. 27, despite the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) by a Pasig court that has stalled its implementation.
Kamanggagawa Party-list Rep. Elijah San Fernando argued that the wage order should still take effect, citing the alleged failure of petitioners to post a required ₱10-billion bond, which he said is necessary for a writ of injunction to remain enforceable.
He maintained that, based on the position of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), there is no legal barrier preventing DOLE from implementing the wage hike in the absence of a valid injunction bond.
“If there is no sufficient bond, nothing prevents the implementation of the wage increase,” San Fernando said during the hearing.
TENSE EXCHANGE BETWEEN LAWMAKER AND DOLE CHIEF
The discussion escalated into a tense exchange between San Fernando and Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, who insisted that the implementation of the wage hike remains subject to court rulings.
“In the end, the decision of the court will prevail,” Tolentino said, adding that he preferred not to prolong the public disagreement.
San Fernando countered that workers should not be left waiting if there is no clear legal obstruction, and criticized the agency’s handling of the matter.
DOLE BUDGET PUT UNDER SCRUTINY
Following the exchange, San Fernando moved to defer deliberations on the proposed ₱47.05-billion DOLE budget for fiscal year 2027, excluding TESDA.
However, the motion was rejected after 31 lawmakers voted against it, while only seven supported it.
LABOR ISSUE REMAINS UNRESOLVED
Labor groups continue to call for the immediate implementation of the wage increase, citing rising living costs in Metro Manila and the need for urgent relief for workers.
DOLE and concerned agencies are expected to further address the legal and implementation issues in succeeding hearings. #
Source: ABS-CBN News
