The Philippines’ unemployment rate rose to 4.8% in May 2026, according to the latest report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released on Wednesday, July 8.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, National Statistician and PSA chief Claire Dennis Mapa said the increase represents 2.50 million unemployed Filipinos aged 15 and above who had no jobs or livelihood during the period. This was higher than the 2.41 million jobless individuals recorded in April 2026.

The May unemployment rate was higher than the 4.7% recorded in April 2026 and the 3.9% unemployment rate posted in May 2025.

Employment declines

Meanwhile, the country’s employment rate slightly declined to 95.2% in May 2026, compared with 95.3% in April 2026.

The PSA also reported that 6.04 million Filipinos were underemployed in May 2026, a decrease from the 7.41 million underemployed workers recorded in April. Underemployed individuals refer to those who have jobs but are seeking additional work hours or better employment opportunities.

The latest labor figures reflect changes in the country’s workforce participation as more Filipinos entered the job market in search of employment opportunities during the month.