After obviously opposing the RH Bill, Saranggani Congressman Manny Pacquiao is now calling onto the Government supporting the Php 125-wage hike to be passed.

The World boxing champion is said to be wearing a pair of printed boxing gloves to support the House Bill 375 or the P125 across-the-board wage hike bill in the 14th Congress, said in several news sites.

Cong. Pacquiao, being one of the richest athletes in the world, stated in a press conference with labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and Anakpawis party-list yesterday, “Ako rin ay naging ordinaryong manggagawa. Naging welder, service boy, nagbenta ng balot at sampaguita, nagtra-trabaho sa kakarampot na kita.”

Image Credit: daylife.com

Then added, “Hindi naging madali ang buhay kaya naiintindihan ko ang inyong laban.”

The main author of the said bill, Rep. Rafael Mariano, noted as the poorest member of the House of Representatives said overlooking to Cong. Paquiao, “We expect him to work with us for the passage of HB 375. Granting a significant, legislated wage increase is a concrete step to uplift the situation and condition of ordinary wage and salary earners.”

Meanwhile, Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairman welcomed Pacquiao’s support, admiring the Congressman for giving them the benefit of using his popularity for their campaign.

Still, beyond the support of Paquiao, business groups such as the Employers Confederation of the Philippines are strongly opposing the House Bill 375, saying that it will surely affect the economic growth and may later cause increase in unemployment rate.