The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) has noted the circulation on social media of edited videos and posts from a recent joint committee hearing, which have given rise to the erroneous impression that there is no basis for minimum wage adjustments in the context of rising fuel prices. This interpretation is incorrect and does not reflect the Commission’s position.

Under Republic Act No. 6727, or the Wage Rationalization Act, the authority to determine the propriety, amount, and timing of minimum wage adjustments is vested exclusively in the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs). These bodies exercise their mandate through continuous review of regional socioeconomic conditions, in accordance with the criteria and procedures prescribed by law and its implementing rules.

In this context, wage adjustments are neither suspended nor disregarded. On the contrary, several regions are presently implementing minimum wage increases, many of which correspond to the second tranches of wage orders issued under the 2025-2026 wage determination cycle. Consistent with this ongoing process, wage adjustments have taken effect or are scheduled to take effect on April 1 in Region IV-A, April 8 in the Bicol Region, April 16 in Region III, May 1 in Regions X and CARAGA, June 1 in Regions VIII and IX, and September 1 in Davao Region.

The phasing of these adjustments reflects a policy choice deliberately adopted by the RTWPBs to balance the objective of improving workers’ real incomes with the need to sustain enterprise viability, protect employment, and support regional economic development. The staggered timelines also underscore the decentralized and evidence-based nature of wage determination under the law, which necessarily responds to differing regional conditions rather than a uniform national timetable.

Looking ahead, the 2026-2027 wage determination round is about to begin, with the National Capital Region (NCR) expected to initiate its review cycle by mid-May. This will be undertaken in accordance with the Omnibus Rules on Minimum Wage Determination, as amended, and guided by the established criteria under the law, including inflation, cost of living, employment levels, productivity trends, and employers’ capacity to pay.

Under the law, the RTWPBs may issue a new wage order within twelve (12) months from the anniversary of their latest issuance, or earlier when there are “urgent and reasonable” grounds. Decisions to act earlier are based on their continuous review of regional socioeconomic conditions and are intended to ensure timely and appropriate responses when circumstances genuinely require them.

In setting wages, there is always a need to strike a balance between improving workers’ welfare and ensuring that enterprises can continue operating and providing jobs. Wage adjustments that are not carefully calibrated may lead to unintended effects such as reduced hiring, job losses, or business closures. For this reason, the NWPC continues to guide the RTWPBs toward regular, predictable, and sustained wage adjustments, informed by productivity levels and sound socioeconomic data.

The NWPC appreciates the public discourse and shares the goal of ensuring that workers are protected and businesses thrive in this challenging situation. The public is advised to exercise discernment when viewing short or edited video content and social media posts. In the interest of constructive dialogue and informed public discussion, the public is encouraged to consider complete and verified sources, including full recordings of proceedings provided by the House of Representatives through their online channel.