Tolentino, Rep. San Fernando clash over NCR wage hike

Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino and Kamanggagawa Party-list Rep. Eli San Fernando clashed during the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) 2027 budget deliberations over the delayed implementation of the P85 minimum wage increase in the National Capital Region. San Fernando questioned why the wage hike, originally set to take effect on July 25, has not been enforced. Tolentino said its implementation remains subject to a pending court ruling after two corporations challenged the wage order. "Meron po kayong kapangyarihan, Mister Secretary," San Fernando said. The lawmaker urged Congress to temporarily defer DOLE's proposed budget for next year until the issue is addressed. The Kamanggagawa representative also called on the Commission on Appointments to reject Tolentino's appointment, accusing the labor chief of siding with employers instead of workers.