Metro Manila Minimum Wage 2025: The Metro Manila minimum wage for the year 2025 has seen significant updates reflecting ongoing economic adjustments and government efforts to support the livelihood of Filipino workers.
As the National Capital Region (NCR), Metro Manila maintains one of the highest daily minimum wage rates in the Philippines, governed by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB). This article details the latest minimum wage rates effective in 2025, salary rules, eligibility criteria, and important policy developments impacting workers and employers in Metro Manila.
Latest Metro Manila Minimum Wage Rates 2025
As of July 18, 2025, Metro Manila’s daily minimum wage was raised to ₱695 for non-agricultural workers, marking a ₱50 increase from the previous rate of ₱645. This wage increase, approved by the NCR RTWPB under Wage Order No. 26, aims to provide financial relief amid rising inflation and living costs for approximately 1.2 million minimum wage earners in the region.
For other sectors, these are the current daily minimum wage rates in Metro Manila:
| Worker Category | Minimum Wage (PHP per day) |
|---|---|
| Non-Agriculture Workers | ₱695 |
| Agriculture Workers (Plantation) | ₱658 |
| Agriculture Workers (Non-Plantation) | ₱658 |
| Service and Retail Establishments (≤15 employees) | ₱658 |
| Manufacturing Establishments (<10 employees) | ₱658 |
The increase applies to private sector employees in both formal and informal employment sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and agriculture, subject to the specific sector classification and size of the enterprise.
Salary Rules and Wage Regulations
The minimum wage in Metro Manila is established to serve as the legal minimum daily pay that employers must provide to their employees, regardless of whether they work full-time or part-time hours. The Labor Code of the Philippines mandates that wages for part-time workers be proportional to the hours worked, ensuring equitable compensation.
Other important salary rules include:
- The minimum wage is not subject to deductions except those authorized by law or employee consent.
- Workers in the informal sector may have specific wage rules but are generally protected by the minimum wage standards.
- Apprentices and learners under government-approved training programs can receive wages not less than 75% of the applicable minimum wage.
- Household domestic workers (Kasambahay) receive wages under a separate Domestic Workers Act, which sets their minimum wage differently from the general minimum wage rates.
Employers must comply with these regulations to avoid legal penalties and maintain fair labor practices.
Eligibility for Minimum Wage in Metro Manila
Generally, all private-sector workers in Metro Manila, whether local or expatriates, are entitled to receive the minimum wage or higher. Eligibility includes:
- Full-time and part-time employees in private establishments.
- Apprentices and trainees, with specific wage conditions.
- Workers irrespective of employment status, including contractual and casual workers, provided they perform work covered by the wage order.
- Exclusions exist for certain registered micro-businesses under the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) law and specific domestic workers.
Government employees, meanwhile, follow separate pay schedules under civil service laws and are not covered by the minimum wage orders.
Regional Variations and Comparison
While Metro Manila hosts the highest minimum wage in the country, many other regions have significantly lower rates reflecting their economic conditions. For example, as of early 2025, some other region rates are:
| Region | Minimum Wage (PHP per day) |
|---|---|
| CALABARZON (Region IV-A) | ₱421 |
| Central Luzon (Region III) | ₱400 |
| Central Visayas (Region VII) | ₱404 |
| Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) | ₱404 |
| Northern Mindanao (Region X) | ₱404 |
These disparities are managed by the RTWPBs to balance regional economic development and worker welfare.
Proposed Nationwide Wage Increase
Significant legislative developments are ongoing at the national level with the House of Representatives approving a bill to mandate a ₱200 daily increase in the minimum wage across all regions for private-sector workers. This proposal, however, awaits reconciliation with a Senate bill suggesting a ₱100 increase and the President’s final approval.
If enacted, this would mark the most substantial nationwide wage adjustment since the Wage Rationalization Act of 1989, potentially increasing the minimum wage in Metro Manila well beyond current ₱695 levels.
Impact of the Wage Increase in Metro Manila
The ₱50 wage increase in July 2025 directly benefits nearly 1.2 million workers and is expected to improve their purchasing power amid inflationary pressures. However, labor groups argue that even this increase does not fully meet the family living wage requirements, which some estimate at over ₱1,200 per day.
Employers face challenges in adapting to higher wage costs, especially small and medium enterprises, though government programs may provide assistance to ease this transition.
Table Summary of Metro Manila Minimum Wage History (Non-agriculture Workers)
| Year | Minimum Wage (PHP/day) | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ₱570 | — |
| 2023 | ₱610 | 7.02% |
| 2024 | ₱645 | 5.74% |
| 2025 | ₱695 | 7.75% |
FAQs on Metro Manila Minimum Wage 2025
- What is the current minimum wage in Metro Manila for 2025?
The minimum wage for non-agricultural workers in Metro Manila is ₱695 per day as of July 18, 2025. - Who sets the minimum wage in Metro Manila?
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-NCR) sets the minimum wage in Metro Manila, considering local economic conditions. - Are part-time workers entitled to the minimum wage?
Yes, part-time workers must be paid proportionally based on the hours they work but not less than the legal minimum wage per hour. - Is there a nationwide minimum wage increase planned for the Philippines?
Yes, a ₱200 daily wage increase bill is pending in Congress but has not yet been enacted. - Are domestic workers included in the minimum wage orders?
No, domestic workers receive wages under the Domestic Workers Act, which sets a different minimum wage standard from general minimum wage rules.
Conclusion
The 2025 minimum wage rate adjustment in Metro Manila signifies the government’s ongoing response to economic realities faced by workers. While the current minimum wage is the highest ever for the region, ongoing legislative efforts point to possible further increases aiming to provide a more livable income for Filipino workers. Employers and employees alike must stay informed of these changes to ensure compliance and fair labor practices in the ever-evolving economic landscape of the Philippines.
