Underemployment rises to 5% in October 2025

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported a rise in unemployment in October 2025, as the rate edged up to 5.0 percent, higher than last year’s 3.9 percent, but slightly lower than July’s 5.3 percent.

The increase translates to 2.54 million Filipinos without jobs, up from 1.97 million in October 2024, according to the PSA’s latest survey.

Underemployment also remained high, with 5.81 million workers — or 12 percent of employed Filipinos — seeking more hours or additional work. About 56 percent of these underemployed worked less than 40 hours a week.

The labor force reached 51.16 million, up from 50.12 million a year ago, while the employment rate fell slightly to 95.0 percent.

Analysts said growth in sectors such as public administration, agriculture and food services was offset by declines in areas including other service activities and wholesale trade.