Boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao pushed for the immediate approval of the P125 across-the-board wage hike, a few days before the House of Representatives adjourns.

In a letter dated January 21 to Northern Samar Rep. Emil L. Ong, chairperson of the House Committee on Labor and Employment (COLE), Pacquiao expressed full support for the Subcommittee on Labor Standards’ approval of House Bill 375.

Pacquiao also called for the COLE to immediately approve the bill, create a committee report, and submit it to the House Plenary for possible deliberation and voting.

“The bill is urgently needed now after more than two decades of almost stagnant wages,” Pacquiao said.

He also encouraged other lawmakers to support the call to pass the bill within the few remaining session days.

Labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) lauded the move of Pacquiao.

“Cong. Manny continues to lend his influence to workers’ fight for a significant wage hike. We hope that the COLE and other congressmen will heed his call for support for the P125 Wage Hike Bill,” said Lito Ustarez, KMU vice-chairperson.

Ustarez, added that Pacquiao showed courage to defy staunch opposition to the wage hike.

“Big capitalists have been tireless in promoting lies against a significant wage hike in order to protect their huge profits. Unlike Cong. Manny, they are not at all concerned with the well-being of their employees,” Ustarez said.

Pacquiao is among the co-sponsor of House Bill 375 filed by Rep. Rafael Mariano of Anakpawis Party-list.