House of Representatives. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines鈥擳he 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鈥檚 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 鈥渃an pass 2nd and 3rd reading in a single session day鈥� come June, when Congress resumes session for two days.
鈥淚f it鈥檚 certified urgent by the President, as it should be, it鈥檚 not too late. What can be more urgent than a wage increase?鈥� asked the legislator.