PH unemployment rate dips in March

Added: 2026-05-13

[00:00:07]This is the Manila Times where we bring you stories that shape our world. Today is May 6th. Our top story.

[00:00:14]The number of unemployed Filipinos decreased this March. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority or PSA, data showed that unemployed dropped to 5% in March of 2026 compared to 5.1% in February of the same year.

[00:00:31]However, it is higher than the 3.9% recorded a year earlier. According to the PSA, the drop in the number of jobless Filipinos came as labor market conditions slightly improved.

[00:00:46]The House plenary is expected to vote this coming Monday whether to send the impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Senate for trial.

[00:00:57]The House Committee on Rules has received the impeachment articles sent by the House Committee on Justice. The Rules Committee is in charge of the order of business as well as the calendar.

[00:01:08]The 1987 Constitution requires a vote of at least 1/3 of all House members to approve the articles of impeachment.

[00:01:17]Based on the current membership, the number is 106.

[00:01:24]For weather, the tropical depression off northeastern Mindanao may enter the Philippine area of responsibility or par either by Friday or Saturday. It will be named Kaloy.

[00:01:37]PAGASA says Kaloy may develop either as a tropical storm or severe tropical storm. The weather bureau is closely monitoring its movements and direction to determine its impact in the coming days.

[00:01:50]An initial forecast showed it will not directly affect the country.

[00:01:56]The Manila City Government will strengthen its licensing system for street vendors. This developed after a UP Manila study found a drug-resistant bacteria in juice stalls sold by vendors in Tondo.

[00:02:11]The Manila Health Department says the issue is a high-priority public health concern. They have rolled out an action plan to combat the reported contamination. The department is planning to offer free water potability testing for street vendors. It will also require the submission of updated water potability certifications. This is in addition to existing sanitary permit requirements. [music] Government officials, as well as those from the private and business sectors, have expressed sadness over the passing of the Manila Times Chairman Emeritus Dante Arevalo Ang.

[00:02:52]Public Attorney's Office or PAO Chief Persida Rueda Acosta says the demise of Dante Arevalo Ang is a of great loss.

[00:03:01]She cited Ang's full support of PAO's mission for justice and rule of law.

[00:03:07]Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon cited Ang's vision and passion for truthful public information, which is important to the country's development.

[00:03:18]Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte noted that Ang was a fixture in Philippine public life for decades.

[00:03:27]Under his leadership, Belmonte says the Manila Times helped define the national conversation for many years. Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and her husband Congressman Ricky Sandoval called Ang a genuine pillar of journalism.

[00:03:46]Victor Lim, president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, says Ang was more than an advocate of Philippine progress. He says Ang used his influence, his resources, and his voice to champion economic development, social harmony, and good governance.

[00:04:09]That's all for now on the Manila Times Newscast. For more news and information, read the Manila Times on print, download the app, or log on to www.manilatimes.net.

[00:04:20]>> [music] >> Watch News Prime tonight at 6:00. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and all the other social media platforms. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the day and remember to stay safe, stay informed, and stay connected. I'm Ezra Abad.

[00:04:36]Good day.