The Philippine government’s recent decision to implement an P85 daily wage increase for Metro Manila workers has been met with widespread frustration, with laborers and advocacy groups labeling the adjustment as “historic” in name only. While officials from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) frame the increase—which pushes the daily rate from P695 to P780—as a record-setting move to protect purchasing power, critics argue it fails to keep pace with the soaring costs of fuel, electricity, and basic commodities. Furthermore, the hike is set to be rolled out in two separate stages, further dampening the immediate impact for households struggling to keep up with inflation.

Labor organizations like the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) have voiced strong opposition to the rollout, emphasizing that the increase does little to close the massive gap between current wages and the P1,200 daily living wage they believe is necessary for survival. The situation is further complicated by provisions that allow small businesses with fewer than 10 employees to apply for exemptions, leaving many low-wage earners in a state of uncertainty. For workers like Jong Ancheta, while any additional income is technically better than nothing, the reality remains that the rising cost of living continues to outpace government interventions, leaving families to struggle despite the promised relief.