Philippines Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino has reaffirmed the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) commitment to evidence-based labour policymaking, while acknowledging concerns surrounding the temporary suspension of the PHP85 wage increase in Metro Manila.
Speaking at DOLE’s weekly flag-raising ceremony at its Central Office in Intramuros, Manila, Tolentino said the department would remain focused on its core mandate despite ongoing challenges, including the legal dispute over the wage increase.
“Our mission, under the Constitution, Article 13, Section 3, is to uplift the dignity of the Filipino working man. We have principles laid out: tripartism, social dialogue… But whatever the obstacles, what we need to do is complete everything as one department, with one mission: to improve the lives of Filipino workers, together with their employers, and reach the proper stage of industrial peace,” Tolentino said.
Tolentino's remarks came after the Pasig Regional Trial Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that temporarily halted the implementation of the PHP85 wage increase in Metro Manila.
Tolentino said DOLE recognises the concerns of affected workers and the groups representing them.
He also reiterated that the department would address the matter before the Pasig RTC through the appropriate legal process.
The labour chief’s comments came as DOLE highlighted the role of research in shaping labour policy. Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) Executive Director Jeanette T. Damo noted the institute’s 39 years of work on research and advocacy covering key labour and employment issues.
Damo thanked Tolentino for recognising the ILS’ contribution to policymaking, saying, “The morale of the Institute has increased because our Secretary recognises the importance of the ILS’ contributions to the Department’s policymaking.”
The department also presented its July accomplishments through the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns, highlighting initiatives and programmes focused on workers’ welfare and labour policy implementation.
Tolentino’s emphasis on evidence-based policymaking comes as the department faces the challenge of balancing wage concerns, legal processes, worker protection and industrial peace.