The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) expressed dismay over the suspension of the wage hike for minimum wage earners in Metro Manila.

The delay follows the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) of the Pasig Regional Trial Court against the implementation of NCR Wage Order No. 27.

According to TUCP Spokesperson Carlos Oñate, the concern should have first been brought before the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) as an appeal before its transfer to the court.

“Kung meron silang problema sa inilabas na wage order, dapat umakyat sila sa National Wages and Productivity Commission as an appeal,” he said

The labor group highlighted that RA 6727 or the Wage Rationalization Act states that setting the minimum wage falls under the exclusive authority of regional wage boards, and any objections or concerns must be first filed with the NPWC.

Meanwhile, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino, they were upset with the situation, but they respect the decision of the court. He also gave the court a way to explain the basis for issuing the TRO.