Group calls for suspension of NCR P85-wage hike

National

THE Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) has urged the government to temporarily halt the implementation of the ₱85 daily wage increase for workers in Metro Manila.

According to the FEF, the wage adjustment may place additional financial pressure on employers who are already dealing with rising operating costs.

In a Philstar report, the group argued that many businesses, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), may struggle to absorb the higher labor expenses.

The organization warned that companies unable to manage the added costs could be forced to reduce their workforce, cut employee hours, or increase the prices of goods and services to offset expenses.

FEF also noted that the wage hike comes at a time when consumers are already facing higher prices for electricity, fuel, and other essential commodities.

Instead of immediately enforcing the wage increase, the FEF recommended that the government first evaluate current economic conditions and consider other ways of helping workers without creating additional burdens for employers.

The ₱85 wage increase for Metro Manila workers was previously approved and is scheduled to be implemented in two phases, with ₱60 taking effect first and the remaining ₱5 to be added in January 2027. (Feirnchae M. Lim, UP Cebu Comm Intern)