A sustained focus on job creation and worker protection must be maintained, following recent figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showing that around 2.25 million Filipinos remain unemployed, even as the country’s unemployment rate eased to 4.4 percent, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said.

Go noted that while month-to-month movements in labor data may show slight improvements, the number of Filipinos without work remains substantial and requires continued attention from policymakers.

For him, the figures should be read beyond percentages and viewed in terms of how many families continue to struggle without a stable income.

“When we say that millions are unemployed, it is clear that there are families who, every day, worry about where to find money for their expenses,” Go said, stressing that unemployment figures translate directly to food security, housing stability, and access to basic needs.

The senator added that the situation of unemployed Filipinos is often compounded by underemployment, where workers may have jobs but lack sufficient hours or income.

“It is not only a question of whether one has a job or not. It is also a question of whether the income and working hours are sufficient for a family to live decently,” he said.

Ensure jobs availability

Against this backdrop, Go reiterated the need for concrete measures that directly address the realities faced by workers and jobseekers.

At the 20th Congress, he is pushing several proposals to ease the pressure on working families and those still searching for employment.

Among these is Senate Bill 175, which Go filed, seeking to mandate a nationwide minimum wage increase to P100 per day.

He said the proposal responds to the ongoing impact of inflation and rising living costs, which have eroded workers’ purchasing power.

To assist those who remain jobless, Go filed SBN 174, the Indigent Jobseekers Assistance bill, which aims to subsidize employment-related expenses, such as transportation, documentation, and other basic requirements, during the job application process.

According to Go, these costs often prevent poor Filipinos from even reaching the interview stage.

“Many people want to work but are held back by the simple costs involved in looking for a job,” he said.

Go is also pushing support for workers in rural areas through SBN 177, the proposed Rural Employment Assistance or TUPAD bill, which he filed to institutionalize temporary employment programs for displaced workers in the countryside.

He said these short-term jobs can provide immediate income support while communities recover or while workers look for more permanent opportunities.

“Temporary employment is important to provide immediate relief for those affected, especially in the provinces,” he noted.