DOLE estimates 4-5M job losses due to pandemic

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III estimates that 4 to 5 million Filipinos could become unemployed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

During a Senate hearing, Recto asked if job losses could reach up to 10 million, to which Bello responded it is possible.

Bello cited data showing at least 2.6 million people have already temporarily lost their jobs due to closures and flexible working arrangements.

The DOLE plans to expand its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program to assist those who will lose their jobs.