Philippine Labor Law Glossary
Definition: Regional minimum wage is the minimum wage rate prescribed for covered workers in a particular Philippine region under the regional wage-setting system.
What Regional Minimum Wage Means
Philippine minimum wage rates are generally set by Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards. Article 99, as amended by the Wage Rationalization Act, provides that minimum wage rates for agricultural and non-agricultural workers in each region are those prescribed by the regional wage boards.
The applicable rate can vary by region, sector, establishment classification and other coverage rules in the controlling wage order.
Is This the Same as a Provincial Rate?
People often search for a provincial rate, but the legal framework is regional. Some wage orders may contain distinctions that affect particular provinces, sectors or establishment categories, so the applicable wage order should always be checked.
Common Misunderstanding
Misunderstanding: Every province has one independent minimum wage rate.
Correct approach: Wage rates are issued through Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards, and the controlling wage order determines the exact coverage.
Related Terms
Sources and Legal Citations
- Republic Act No. 6727 — regional wage-setting framework and Article 99. Lawphil text.
- National Wages and Productivity Commission — current regional minimum wage matrices and wage orders. Official NWPC site.
Editorial Review and Legal-Review Status
Prepared by: LaborCode.ph Editorial Team
Source verification: Official legal sources checked on August 8, 2026
Article-level legal review status: No named lawyer-review credit has been assigned to this glossary entry.
Disclaimer
Always verify the current wage order for the worker’s region and sector because minimum wage rates change over time.