By Wilnard Bacelonia

March 13, 2026, 10:03 am 

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MANILA – Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Friday called for the expansion of unemployment benefits under the Social Security System (SSS) to strengthen financial support for workers, including repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who lose their jobs amid tensions in the Middle East.

Estrada filed Senate Bill No. 1070 proposing to extend unemployment assistance to up to five months, longer than the current benefit, which provides an amount equivalent to 50 percent of a member’s average monthly salary credit for only two months.

“Hindi lang kita ang nawawala sa mga nawalan ng trabaho. Nawawalan din sila ng pag-asa at seguridad ng kanilang pamilya kung paano maitatawid ang kanilang pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan. Sa ganitong pagkakataon, dapat may nasasandalan silang tulong at malasakit ng pamahalaan upang makabangon muli (Those who lose their jobs do not only lose income. They also lose hope and the sense of security for their families on how they can get through their daily needs. In such times, they should have government support and compassion to help them recover),” Estrada said.

Under the proposal, the duration of assistance would depend on the number of years a worker has contributed to the SSS.

Members who have contributed for at least one year may receive monthly cash assistance equivalent to one-third of the current monthly minimum wage, with benefits ranging from a month to five months depending on their contribution history.

“Ang panukalang cash aid ay hindi limos. Ito ay proteksyon laban sa gutom at kahirapan habang sila’y naghahanap ng bagong trabaho (The proposed cash aid is not charity. It is protection against hunger and poverty while they search for new employment),” Estrada said. (PNA) 

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

March 14, 2026, 1:12 pm 

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MANILA – The Philippines remains committed to pursuing reforms and sound economic policies to ensure stability and resilience amid global uncertainties, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Saturday.

In a Facebook post, Marcos shared details of his meeting with International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva to discuss the Philippines’ economic outlook and reforms aimed at keeping the country’s growth trajectory stable.

Marcos said the discussions covered the country’s economic priorities and ongoing efforts to sustain growth.

He said cooperation with international partners such as the IMF plays an important role in supporting the country’s economic agenda.

“With discipline, sound policy and cooperation with partners such as the IMF, we will keep the Philippine economy stable and growing,” he said.

Marcos said the meeting also touched on the Philippines’ priorities for its chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He stressed that policy discipline, structural reforms and strong international partnerships will help make the Philippine economy more robust.

“I met with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to discuss the Philippines’ economic outlook, our priorities for our ASEAN chairship, and the reforms we continue to pursue to keep our nation on a steady path of growth,” Marcos said.

In an exclusive interview with the Philippine News Agency, Georgieva said the IMF expects the Philippine economy to outperform the regional average growth of 4.3 percent, citing ongoing reforms that could unlock stronger long-term expansion.

The IMF is a global financial institution that aims to promote international monetary cooperation, ensure financial stability, and facilitate sustainable economic growth among its 191 member countries. (PNA)

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

March 14, 2026, 6:28 pm 

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MANILA – The Philippines is bringing home 340 more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on board a government-chartered flight on Sunday morning, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said the repatriates will arrive aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR8502 that is expected to land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) around 6:35 a.m.

It will be the second one to be chartered by the Philippine government since the Middle East conflict broke out on Feb. 28.

At a press briefing at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Saturday, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said on top of those stranded due to flight disruptions, majority of the OFWs on board are tagged as “distressed.”

A total of 16 crossed Saudi Arabia from Bahrain.

“Authorities and support teams will be on standby at the airport to assist the arriving passengers,” the PCO said.

“The repatriates will also be provided with assistance to facilitate their return to their respective home provinces.” 

The repatriation of the displaced Filipinos from the Middle East is part of the Philippine government’s continuing efforts to assist nationals affected by heightened tensions in the region.

More flights

The Sunday arrival of the 340 will bring the total number of OFWs assisted by the government to over 1,000.

Cuanan said commercial and chartered flights for next week are being organized for 400 more OFWs awaiting repatriation.

“They are being prepared for the flight home, meaning those who need visa and those who need to cross to pick up points,” she said.

“Ito talaga ‘yung (This really is the) core government repatriation. From addressing their welfare needs up to purchasing their tickets, renting the bus from point A to the airport, then bringing them home.” 

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said pre- and post-repatriation assistance will be provided to all returning Filipinos, including psychosocial services and government-funded airfare to their provinces.

The first Philippine government chartered flight carrying 442 Filipinos from the United Arab Emirates, including OFWs and stranded tourists, arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Saturday afternoon. (With a report from Ruth Gita-Carlos/PNA)