President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said more Filipino workers could receive higher minimum wages in the coming months as regional wage boards move closer to completing reviews that could lead to additional pay increases across the country.
Speaking during the launch of the 2026 National Kick-Off of the School-Based Feeding Program and Milk Feeding Activity in Pulilan, Bulacan, Marcos said the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards are continuously evaluating inflation, consumer prices, and economic conditions in their respective areas before issuing new wage orders.
President Marcos emphasized that minimum wage adjustments should be based on regional economic realities rather than a uniform nationwide increase, allowing wage hikes to better reflect differences in living costs and business conditions.
Metro Manila has already set the benchmark after approving an P85 daily minimum wage increase, which Marcos described as the largest ever granted in the National Capital Region, citing the higher cost of living in the country’s economic center.
He said other regional wage boards are expected to complete their assessments over the next few months, with several likely to wrap up deliberations by September or October before issuing their respective wage orders.
The timeline suggests more wage increases could be announced before year-end, potentially lifting incomes for millions of workers while giving businesses time to prepare for higher labor costs.
The regional wage-setting process remains the government’s preferred approach to balancing worker welfare with business competitiveness. Rather than imposing a nationwide wage increase, the system allows pay adjustments to reflect local inflation, labor market conditions, and the capacity of employers to absorb higher wages.
The anticipated wage reviews come as households continue to grapple with elevated living costs, while businesses navigate higher operating expenses amid a recovering economy.
For policymakers, the challenge remains striking a balance between preserving workers’ purchasing power and sustaining job creation and investment across the regions.
