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Metro Manila, Philippines – The Senate did not let pass the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued against the wage increase for minimum wage earners in Metro Manila.
According to several senators, this is unjust, especially since the wage increase went through the proper process.
Several senators strongly condemned the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Pasig Regional Trial Court, which halted the implementation of the additional wage for minimum wage earners in Metro Manila.
Senator Robinhood Padilla opened the discussion on the matter and mentioned that he was among those who went to the Pasig RTC yesterday to call for the immediate dismissal of the issued temporary restraining order (TRO).
According to Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri, it is unjust to further delay the long-awaited wage increase for workers after it was already approved by the Wage Board.
In his statement, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri appealed to the court to have compassion for workers who need the additional wage at this time:
"Maawa naman po ang ating korte sa mga kababayan na nangangailangan ng dagdag sahod sa panahong ito, we are crying for a living wage kaya itinulak natin yung 100 pesos legislative wage increase."
[May our court have mercy on our countrymen who need the additional wage at this time, we are crying for a living wage, which is why we pushed for the 100 pesos legislative wage increase.]
On this matter, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian emphasized that the wage increase went through the proper process, which is why he is among those calling on the Supreme Court to review the issuance of the TRO by the Pasig RTC.
In his statement, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said that if the 100-peso minimum wage increase was approved in a calmer situation, it is needed now more than ever, and called on his colleagues in the judiciary to protect and support the wage increase for minimum wage workers set by the DOLE.
"Kung naaprubahan natin ito sa mas kalmadong sitwasyon yung 100 peso min. wage, ngayon pa mas kailangan manggagawa kaya kasama sen. Padilla, majority leader, na manawagan sa akasamahan judiciary alagaan, bigyan karampatan suporta manggagawa min wage na ginawa ng DOLE."
[If we approved this in a calmer situation, the 100-peso minimum wage, then now it is even more needed by workers, which is why I join Sen. Padilla, the majority leader, in calling on our colleagues in the judiciary to protect and give proper support to the minimum wage for workers set by the DOLE.]
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, Senator Joel Villanueva also wants clarity on the issue.
In his statement, Senator Joel Villanueva said he was confused as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Labor, citing Article 126, which he said clearly prohibits any court, tribunal, or other entity from issuing an injunction or TRO against proceedings before the commission or regional boards:
"I am confused, Mr. President, as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Labor, because Article 126 is very clear, very clear, crystal clear — I don't think you need [an] interpreter for this, Mr. President. Prohibition against injunction: no preliminary or permanent injunction, or — ito ho verbatim — no TRO may be issued by any court, tribunal, or other entity against any proceedings before the commission or regional boards."
Senator Bong Go also called on companies, saying that if the wage increase would not actually cause them losses, it would be good for them to simply share it with the workers.
In his statement, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go said that the sacrifice being asked of big businesses is very small compared to the help it would give to the poor who barely have enough to eat every day:
"Napaka liit po nito na sakripisyo niyo po sa malalaking negosyante, malaking tulong [sa] mahihirap na halos walang makain sa araw-araw."
[This is such a small sacrifice for you big businessmen, [but it's] a big help to the poor who barely have anything to eat every day.]
Meanwhile, Senator JV Ejercito also pointed out that it is difficult to achieve economic progress if workers do not receive the living wage and benefits they deserve, which is why he is also among those pushing for the wage increase.
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Date posted: August 4, 2026 5:29 PM