The Young Christian Workers of the Philippines (YCWP) expresses its deep concern over the petition seeking to restrain the implementation of NCR Wage Order No. 27, which grants an ₱85 wage increase to minimum wage earners in the National Capital Region.

As a movement of young workers formed through the See–Judge–Act method and inspired by the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching, we believe that this case is not merely about legal procedures or economic policy. It concerns the dignity of workers, the welfare of their families, and the right of every person to live and work with hope.

SEE: The Reality of Young Workers

Every day, young workers confront the harsh reality of rising prices, insecure employment, contractual and agency hiring, and wages that are insufficient to meet even the most basic needs of their families.

The ₱85 wage increase under NCR Wage Order No. 27 does not fully address the growing gap between the minimum wage and the actual cost of living. Nevertheless, for many workers, it provides immediate relief in the face of increasing food prices, transportation costs, housing expenses, and other daily necessities.

To suspend this wage increase would further delay much-needed assistance to workers who continue to shoulder the burden of an economy where the cost of survival rises faster than their incomes.

JUDGE: The Light of the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching

The Church teaches that work exists for the human person, not the human person for work. Every worker possesses inherent dignity because each person is created in the image and likeness of God.

Catholic Social Teaching consistently upholds the right of workers to just wages, decent work, security of tenure, freedom of association, and participation in decisions that affect their lives. A just wage is not merely a financial issue but a moral obligation rooted in justice and the common good.

While businesses have legitimate concerns regarding sustainability and productivity, economic development should never come at the expense of the dignity of workers. True development seeks a balance where enterprises thrive while workers and their families are able to live with dignity.

ACT: Standing with Workers Through Law, Dialogue, and Solidarity

For these reasons, the Young Christian Workers of the Philippines has resolved to seek intervention in the legal proceedings challenging NCR Wage Order No. 27.

Our participation is not intended to create conflict or unnecessarily prolong litigation. Rather, we seek to ensure that the voices of young workers—those most directly affected by the outcome of this case—are heard before any decision is made that could further delay the implementation of the wage increase.

We believe that justice is best served when workers themselves are allowed to participate in decisions that shape their future.

At the same time, we continue to call upon government, employers, labor organizations, civil society, and the Church to work together in addressing the deeper structural issues affecting Filipino workers. Beyond wage adjustments, our nation must pursue policies that promote living wages, secure employment, safe working conditions, meaningful social protection, and genuine social dialogue.

Our Commitment

As Young Christian Workers, we reaffirm our commitment to accompany, organize, and form young workers so that they may become active participants in transforming the world of work.

We respectfully urge the courts to consider not only the legal questions before them but also the human realities behind this case. Every delay in implementing even a modest wage increase has real consequences for workers struggling to provide food, education, healthcare, transportation, and a dignified life for their families.

Justice is not measured solely by legal correctness but by its capacity to uphold human dignity and promote the common good.

Together, let us continue to See the reality, Judge in the light of the Gospel, and Act to transform the world of work.

Young Christian Workers of the Philippines

"The future of work must always place the dignity of the human person at its center."