Kamanggagawa Party-list Representative Eli San Fernando questioned the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino over the delayed implementation of the wage hike for minimum wage earners in the National Capital Region.

The lawmaker argued that DOLE Wage Order No. 27, which grants a P85 wage hike, must be implemented. He maintained that DOLE possesses the legal basis to enforce the order and should not allow the pending court case to delay its implementation.

“Sa amin saka sa Kamanggagawa Party-list, we believe na dapat harangin yung kanyang appointment sa Commission on Appointments kung ganito ang inaasal ng Secretary ng Department of Labor and Employment. Hindi dapat siya tawagin na Secretary of Labor and Employment. Secretary of Labor and Employer siya,” he said

"So ang mandato ng DOLE malinaw —  proteksyunan, ipagtanggol, at iabante ang karapatan ng mga manggagawa. Nakita niyo kanina sa budget deliberation sa budget consideration ng DOLE, walang pagtindig si Secretary Tolentino,” he added

In response to the criticism, DOLE maintained its position that opposition to the hike is not the reason for the delay.  Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino pointed out that the court injunction remains in place.

Tolentino emphasized that while he believes that wage increases are a matter of right for workers, DOLE cannot declare decisions, but the court.

“Ang dapat magsabi po nito ay hindi ako, kung hindi ang Supreme Court o ang husgado,” he said

According to the labor department, if they insist on enforcing the wage order while the restraint is active, the agency may face contempt of court. The agency reiterated that they have to comply with the legal process, instead of violating the court.

They also assured that they will immediately enforce the wage hike once the court lifts the injunction.

With reports from Mia Alonzo