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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOLE: 2025 wage hikes lift pay of over 5.2M workers in 14 regions

DOLE: 2025 wage hikes lift pay of over 5.2M workers in 14 regions

Published Jan 2, 2026 12:14 pm  |  Updated Jan 2, 2026 01:24 pm

At A Glance

  • DOLE approved 2025 minimum wage hikes in 14 regions.
  • Over 5.2 million workers benefited, including private sector employees and domestic workers.
  • Wage increases ranged from ₱20–₱100 per day for private workers and ₱300–₱2,000 per month for kasambahays.
  • Metro Manila retained the highest daily minimum wage at ₱658–₱695.
  • Regions XI and V to review minimum wages in January–February 2026.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Friday, Jan. 2, that minimum wage increases approved across 14 regions in 2025 raised the incomes of more than 5.2 million workers nationwide, including private sector employees and domestic workers.
Wage adjustments for private sector workers ranged from P20 to P100 per day while domestic workers received increases of P300 to P2,000 per month.
The increases followed the National Wages and Productivity Commission’s (NWPC) policy on regular, moderate, and predictable wage adjustments.
DOLE confirmed that the wage orders were implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and Regions I, II, III, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XII, and XIII.
Metro Manila retained the highest daily minimum wage, ranging from P658 to P695, reflecting its higher cost of living.
“All wage orders were issued motu proprio, the majority of which received unanimous approval from the concerned Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs),” the agency said.
The increases took effect after the anniversary dates of previous wage orders to ensure policy stability and boost investor confidence.
DOLE noted that the timing of the adjustments was designed to support a business-friendly environment while promoting decent, productive, and sustainable employment nationwide.
Regional wage boards in Regions XI and V are set to begin their minimum wage determination processes in January and February 2026, respectively, signaling the continuation of wage policy reviews.
Beyond minimum wage earners, around eight million full-time wage and salary workers earning above the minimum wage are expected to benefit indirectly through the correction of wage distortions at the enterprise level.
“Wage distortion occurs when a mandated wage increase eliminates or significantly reduces intentional quantitative differences in wage or salary rates,” DOLE cited in NWPC Advisory No. 01, Series of 2023.
The agency explained that wage-setting decisions were made following consultations with workers and employers to balance worker protection, business viability, and employment generation.
These decisions remain aligned with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 131 and the ILO Minimum Wage Fixing Guide.
The NWPC continues to assist regional wage boards in simplifying wage structures and providing exemption mechanisms for calamity-affected enterprises.
Employers and workers are encouraged to avail themselves of support programs, such as the Adjustment Measures Program (AMP), to help cushion the impact of economic disruptions and shocks.

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DOLE minimum wage 2025 wage hikes private sector workers domestic workers
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