House body approves P125 wage hike bill

House of Representatives. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The House committee on labor and employment on Wednesday, the last session day before the 15th Congress goes on recess, approved a bill seeking a P125 across-the-board wage increase.

ACT Teachers Partylist Representative Antonio Tinio said that the panel unanimously approved House Bill 375.

The motion to have the measure passed came from Benguet Representative Ronald Cosalan, chairman of the said committee, and seconded by the bill’s principal author Anakpawis Partylist Representative Rafael Mariano.

The 15th Congress goes on recess Thursday, giving the bill little chance of being tackled on the last session day.

Tinio however believed that HB 375 could still stand a chance if it will be certified as urgent by President Benigno Aquino III.

Should this happen, Tinio said that the bill “can pass 2nd and 3rd reading in a single session day” come June, when Congress resumes session for two days.

“If it’s certified urgent by the President, as it should be, it’s not too late. What can be more urgent than a wage increase?” asked the legislator.