The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board–National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) successfully concluded its Public Hearing on Minimum Wage Determination on 18 June 2026 at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) in Pasay City, bringing together workers, employers, government representatives, members of the academe, and other stakeholders to share their views on the possibility of a minimum wage adjustment in the National Capital Region.  

The public hearing forms part of the Board’s ongoing wage review process and reflects the commitment of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), under the leadership of Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino, to ensure that wage determination remains consultative, transparent, and grounded on existing laws and established procedures. 

Welcoming approximately 200 participants, RTWPB-NCR Chairperson and DOLE-NCR Regional Director Atty. Sarah Buena M. Mirasol highlighted the importance of providing a venue where different sectors can openly express their concerns and recommendations. 

“This public hearing embodies our commitment to true dialogue and tripartism, ensuring that all stakeholders are given the opportunity to be heard as we carry out our mandate of reviewing and determining appropriate wage levels in the region,” Atty. Mirasol said. 

During the hearing, Ms. Jackilyn G. Borja, RTWPB-NCR Officer-in-Charge Board Secretary VI, provided an overview of the petitions for wage increase filed by various labor groups. The petitions seek additional daily minimum wage increases ranging from P200 to P805 for workers currently receiving the P695 minimum wage, and additional increases ranging from P200 to P842 for workers receiving the P658 minimum wage rate. These proposed adjustments would bring the daily minimum wage rates to between P858 and P1,500. She also presented the position papers submitted by both labor and employer organizations, outlining their respective perspectives on the issue.  

To support the RTWPB’s review, resource persons from key government agencies shared relevant economic data and developments. Ms. Irene Angela G. Basco, Officer-in-Charge Chief of the Policy Coordination Division of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), presented national and regional economic indicators that help paint a picture of current economic conditions. Meanwhile, Ms. Aida P. Parena, Supervising Science Research Specialist of the Department of Energy (DOE), discussed trends in global and local oil prices and their potential impact on consumers and businesses.  

The public hearing capped a series of consultations conducted by the Board in recent weeks. Prior to the hearing, separate consultations were held with labor and employer groups on 22 May 2026 and 26 May 2026, respectively, to ensure that both sectors were given ample opportunity to raise their concerns, share their experiences, and offer recommendations.  

As the wage review process moves forward, the RTWPB-NCR will carefully evaluate the information, insights, and recommendations gathered from the consultations and public hearing. These inputs, together with relevant socio-economic indicators, will help guide the RTWPB in reaching a fair, balanced, and evidence-based decision on any potential adjustment to the minimum wage in NCR.  

The Board expressed its appreciation to all participants for their active engagement and valuable contributions to the discussions, underscoring the vital role of social dialogue and tripartism in shaping policies that affect both workers and businesses. (Joel Leonard M. Santarina)