Labor group Laban Manggagawa criticized the court’s decision to temporarily stop the implementation of the P85 daily minimum wage increase in Metro Manila, calling it another setback for Filipino workers.

In a statement, Laban Manggagawa spokesperson Achilles Reuben Montebon said the group was not surprised by the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against Wage Order No. NCR-27, arguing that wage increases are often challenged whenever workers achieve gains.

The group was referring to the petition filed by two construction firms before a Pasig court seeking to stop the implementation of the wage order.

Laban Manggagawa maintained that the TRO should not have been issued, claiming that Republic Act No. 6727, or the Wage Rationalization Act, and the Labor Code prohibit injunctions against wage orders.

Beyond the legal issue, the labor group argued that the case reflects what it described as the recurring pattern of business interests opposing labor reforms.

According to Montebon, employers often cite possible business losses, reduced investments, or adverse economic effects whenever workers push for higher wages, regularization, and improved working conditions.

The group also questioned what it described as the swift legal action taken whenever wage increases are approved, suggesting that powerful business interests may have exerted pressure to stop the implementation of the wage order.

Laban Manggagawa, however, did not present evidence to support its allegations of political or corporate influence behind the court action.

The group emphasized that the P85 wage increase was the result of workers’ long-standing advocacy and should not be withdrawn.

It urged workers to remain united and continue defending the approved wage increase through collective action, saying organized labor remains the strongest force in protecting workers’ rights and welfare.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-National Capital Region earlier approved the P85 daily wage increase, but its implementation has been temporarily suspended following the issuance of the TRO pending court proceedings.IMT