The Philippine government has approved the largest single minimum wage increase ever for workers in Metro Manila. The Department of Labour and Employment confirmed on July 6, 2026, that the wage hike will be implemented in two stages.

Non-agricultural workers will see their daily wage rise from 695 pesos to 755 pesos this month, then to 780 pesos by January. Employees of smaller companies and agricultural workers will receive a slightly lower increase, from 658 pesos to 743 pesos over the same period.

Despite the increase, which amounts to about 85 pesos (US$1.40) — roughly the price of 1½kg of premium imported rice — economists and labour leaders argue that it is insufficient to keep up with the soaring cost of living in the capital. The amount is barely enough to buy a meal for one person, let alone support a family of five.

The government has described the wage rise as "historic," but labour groups have criticized it as inadequate.

Sources

South China Morning Post World, "Philippines’ record capital wage rise leaves workers hungry for more," Sam Beltran, July 6, 2026: link