Following an active Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by the Pasig Regional Trial Court in favor of two construction firms to hold the P85 wage hike in NCR, another group filed a petition to the Navotas Regional Trial Court that supports the same action.

According to Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), this action paves the way for similar petitions that will prolong delays in implementing the long-awaited wage increase for millions of workers.

“Naggagayahan pa. May TRO na sa Pasig. Mayroon pang nag-file ng bagong kaso sa Navotas RTC. Saan na po ito matatapos? Lahat ba ng RTC pafilan nitong iilang employers na to na ayaw lang magbayad ng umento sa sweldo? “ TUCP spokesperson Carlos Oñate said

Hence, the group wants to file an urgent motion to intervene with the Navotas RTC, seeking the immediate dismissal of the petition submitted by the Alliance of Philippine Fishing Federations Incorporated.

The labor group argued that the petition lacks clear and solid basis.

The TUCP also expressed concern that other companies may do the same strategy.

“Baka kumalat na ito. Kung nangyayari ito sa isang region lang. May dalawang kaso na. Paano pa sa 16 to 17 other regions natin na wala pang sa sweldo ngayon? Definitely may mga magpapasikat din diyan na mga employers na magfa-file ng uh petition contra sa wage order,” Oñate said

According to the group, they will never get tired of filing counter-petitions, such as the motion to intervene.

On August 4, the group also submitted a House resolution in the House of Representatives urging the President’s cabinet, particularly the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Economic Planning and Development (DepDev), to defend the P85 wage increase for the minimum wage earners in Metro Manila.

‍