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Low wages in the Philippines - the driving factor for Filipinos to take the risk of illegal employment opportunities abroad, according to the Federation of Free Workers (FFW).
FFW President Atty. Sonny Matula noted that due to the domestic repercussions brought by the Middle East conflict, even the dirty, dangerous, and demeaning jobs overseas may appear as a beacon of hope.
“Kahit ang pinakamarumi, pinaka-mapanganib, at pinaka-mapanghamak na trabaho sa abroad ay maaaring magmukhang pag-asa,” he said
[“Even the dirtiest, most dangerous, and most demeaning work abroad can look like a hope.”]
In light of this, come May 1, 2026, or Labor Day, the FFW wants to appeal for a ₱200 wage increase for the minimum wage earners as well as the nationalization of wages - the equal pay of minimum wage across the country.
The FFW calls on the government to take necessary actions to prevent the rise of this serious concern.
“Kung totoong nais ng gobyerno na pigilan ang tukso sa mga manggagawa na kumapit sa marumi, mapanganib, at kahina-hinalang trabaho sa abroad, dapat nitong itaas ang sahod, lumikha ng disenteng trabaho, at maghatid ng oportunidad at katarungang panlipunan sa napapabayaang kanayunan,” the FFW said
[“If the government truly wants to prevent the temptation for the workers to settle in dirty, dangerous, and suspicious jobs abroad, they should increase the wage, create decent jobs, give opportunities, and social justice to the neglected areas.”]
With reports from Evan Alvarez
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A transport group, PISTON, is calling for a ₱10 fare increase for the Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) due to the continuous rise in fuel cost.
“Mula ng nagkaroon ng US agression ay halos umabot tayo ng halos 170 per liter sa diesel at 120 sa presyo ng gasolina,” according to PISTON National President Mody Floranda
[“Since the US aggression, diesel prices climbed to almost 170 per liter and 120 for gasoline.”]
Beyond the concerns regarding fuel costs, the group mentioned the rising costs of vehicle spare parts.
“At syempre yung usapin ng mataas na mga piyesa na ginagamit ng mga public transport na kung saan ay hindi naman bumababa,” Floranda added
The group appeals to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to grant a permanent fare hike rather than a provisional increase. For PISTON, the ₱10 fare increase would be enough to ensure the continued driving operation of jeepneys and maintain reliable transportation for commuters.
PISTON has formally filed a petition to the LTFRB; the petition will undergo public consultations and hearings before the announcement of the final decision.
With reports from Asher Cadapan Jr.
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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) extends its sympathy to the bereaved family of a rider.
A rider passed away on April 18, 2026, while waiting to receive the ₱5,000 cash assistance at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian personally visited and spoke with the rider's family on April 19, 2026, offering his sympathy.
Also, the agency is committed to assisting the family with medical and burial costs and providing educational support for the rider's child.
With reports from Joan Nano
RELATED VIDEO:
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released a special payout schedule for MC Taxi and delivery service drivers in Metro Manila.
The special payout for unclaimed cash relief assistance is scheduled on April 17, 2026.
In a Facebook post, the agency advised drivers to proceed only to the specific payout site where they were assigned to claim their assistance.
The following payout sites include:
Additional beneficiaries may claim their assistance from April 18 to 19, 2026. The DSWD reminds the public that the ₱5,000 cash aid can only be claimed once. Once the payout is received, it will reflect across other payout sites that the assistance has already been claimed. For this specific schedule, the agency clarified that claimants may go to any site that is nearest to them.
DSWD reminds all claimants to bring one (1) valid Driver’s license ID and a photocopy.
National Capital Region Police Office Director PMGen. Anthony Aberin has reminded police officers to use common sense when enforcing the city ordinances across Metro Manila.
“Yun po yung instruction natin sa ating mga kapulisan na the implementation of ordinances dapat nandon yung compassion at tsaka common sense,” PMGen Aberin said
[“That’s our instruction to our police officers, in the implementation of ordinances, compassion and common sense must be present.”]
He also mentioned observing human rights, police operational procedure, and maximum tolerance in the implementation.
PMGen. Aberin noted that apprehension should not always be an immediate response and action towards them. Instead, officers are encouraged to start with a verbal warning or simple reminder to comply with the city ordinances.
The implementation of several restrictions, including roaming in the streets without a shirt, drinking and smoking in public, enhanced curfew, and karaoke limits, is a part of the Safer Cities Initiative that was previously announced by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
With reports from Lea Ylagan
