DOLE: No wage hike on May 1

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April 2, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — There will be no nationwide wage increase to be announced on May 1, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said, while stressing that minimum wage adjustments will continue to be determined at the regional level unless Congress enacts a law mandating a national wage hike.

Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum yesterday, Labor Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio Jr. said the government will rely on existing mechanisms through regional wage boards to address wage concerns, particularly among minimum wage earners affected by rising costs.

“There will be no national wage increase on May 1, unless there is a law enactment,” Bitonio said. “As far as the Department of Labor is concerned, we do not see a national wage increase using our existing institutions.”

Bitonio explained that wage adjustments are determined by Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards, which include representatives from government, employers and labor groups. These bodies conduct periodic reviews and decide on wage increases based on conditions within their respective regions.

“Our policy is, as much as possible, there is a timely review and possible adjustment every year,” he said.

Despite the absence of a nationwide adjustment, several regions are set to implement wage increases in the coming weeks as part of previously approved wage orders.

Bitonio detailed the schedule of upcoming regional wage adjustments, noting that Region IV-A (Calabarzon) implemented the second tranche of its wage increase on April 1, following the initial tranche rolled out on Oct. 5, 2025. The adjustment resulted in a total daily wage increase ranging from P25 to P100 for minimum wage earners.

In Region V (Bicol), a P20 increase for private-sector workers will take effect on April 8, raising the minimum daily wage to P455, with a second tranche of P25 scheduled on Dec. 1 to bring it to P480.

Other regions are also set to implement wage hikes, including Region III on April 16, Caraga and Region X on May 1 and Regions VI and VIII on June 1.

He added that consultations for a possible wage adjustment in the National Capital Region are expected to begin mid-May, coinciding with the anniversary of its previous wage order.

Meanwhile, in Central Visayas (Region VII), workers have filed a petition seeking a P100 increase, citing the impact of the ongoing energy emergency.

Bitonio emphasized that the regional wage-setting mechanism is in line with the directive of President Marcos for regular and timely wage reviews.

“At the point of the Department of Labor, the regional tripartite wage boards are working to ensure periodic annual review of minimum wages,” he said.

He added that while institutional mechanisms are in place, workers and employers are also encouraged to pursue bilateral negotiations at the enterprise level for possible wage improvements.

Vulnerable workers

Amid global uncertainties, including tensions in the Middle East that may affect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), DOLE said it is strengthening programs aimed at assisting displaced and vulnerable workers.

Bitonio noted that repatriated OFWs and those unable to deploy abroad may be absorbed into the local labor market, with government support focused on employment facilitation and reintegration.

“We coordinate special job fairs for OFWs and include them in regular job fairs conducted across regions,” he said, adding that affected workers may also access skills training through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

For displaced workers, DOLE continues to implement its Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, which includes livelihood assistance and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

“What we can give is livelihood and emergency employment,” Bitonio said. “Under TUPAD, this is cash-for-work, where beneficiaries may be employed for 10 to 90 days depending on approved projects.”

The department has allocated around P25 billion for these programs under the current national budget, including a P1.2-billion standby fund aimed at supporting vulnerable sectors affected by rising fuel costs and economic disruptions.

Part of the initiative includes income augmentation for transport workers, particularly jeepney drivers, in coordination with LGUs and the Department of Transportation.

“We expect that in this energy emergency, there will be more vulnerable workers. We will continue to be inclusive,” Bitonio said.

He said that DOLE does not provide direct financial aid or ayuda, noting that such assistance falls under the mandate of other agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development or the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. Instead, the department focuses on sustainable interventions such as employment, training and livelihood support.

As regional wage adjustments roll out, DOLE maintains that its current approach balances the need for wage increases with economic conditions across different regions while ensuring continued support for workers affected by ongoing global and domestic challenges.