From clearances to medical tests, expenses quickly add up for those who haven’t earned yet.
Unemployment fell to 5.3% from July’s 6%, but 2.77 million Filipinos remained without jobs, up from 2.03 million a year earlier.
Rising transport fares, higher utility bills, and food inflation still affect minimum wage earners.
PSA data shows more unemployed Filipinos compared with a year ago, highlighting continued pressure on workers and the labor market.
Unemployment rose to 4.8% as more Filipinos entered the workforce, even as businesses continued hiring across key industries.
Fewer jobs were added last year, millions remained underemployed, and stalled infrastructure projects weighed on hiring momentum.
