Cavite 1st district Rep. Jolo Revilla sees the drop in unemployment rate as a true-blue sign that the economy is improving under the Marcos administration.

“Ang pagbaba ng unemployment rate ay patunay na bumabalik ang sigla ng ating ekonomiya. Mas maraming kababayan natin ang muling nagkakaroon ng trabaho—at iyan ang gusto nating marinig: trabaho para sa lahat, at trabaho na may dignidad,” Revilla said in a statement.

(The decline in the unemployment rate is proof that the vitality of our economy is returning. More of our fellow citizens are once again finding work—and that’s what we want to hear: jobs for all, and jobs with dignity.)

On Wednesday, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the country’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.9 percent in August from 5.3 percent in July.

Revilla, chairman of the House Committee on Labor and Employment, said this was a clear indication of the nation’s steadily expanding economy and an improving labor market under President Marcos.

Revilla also said the latest figures highlight the resilience of Filipino workers and reflect the positive impact of the government’s sustained efforts to generate jobs and strengthen economic recovery.

The Cavite lawmaker noted that the decline translates to around 1.1 million more Filipinos now gainfully employed, proof that recent reforms and public investments are starting to yield results.

However, he emphasized that the challenge now is to ensure job security, fair pay, and safe working conditions for all workers.

“Habang bumababa ang bilang ng walang trabaho, kailangan din nating siguraduhin na dekalidad, ligtas, at may sapat na benepisyo ang mga trabaho. Hindi lang basta employment, kundi decent employment,” he said.

(As the number of unemployed decreases, we must also ensure that jobs are of quality, safe, and come with sufficient benefits. Not just any employment, but decent employment.)

As the chairman of the labor and employment panel, Revilla has been at the forefront of advancing policies that promote workers’ welfare and equitable growth.

He recently announced the implementation of the new wage order in Calabarzon, which grants a ₱30 to ₱60 daily wage increase for minimum wage earners. This will help bridge the pay gap between Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.

He has likewise pushed for key legislative measures such as the elimination of contractualization (“endo”), the strengthening of occupational safety standards, and the expansion of skills training and job-matching programs to equip Filipino workers for the demands of a modern and digital economy.

“Ang ating layunin ay hindi lamang dagdagan ang bilang ng may trabaho, kundi tulungan ang bawat manggagawa na umasenso. Kaya’t patuloy nating sinusuportahan ang mga sektor na lumilikha ng oportunidad—mula agrikultura hanggang teknolohiya,” Revilla said.

(Our goal is not only to increase the number of employed individuals, but to help every worker progress. That’s why we continue to support sectors that create opportunities—from agriculture to technology.)

Revilla also reaffirmed his commitment to protect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through legislative and oversight initiatives such as institutionalizing OFW Lounges in airports,

These ensure greater access to the AKSYON Fund, and strengthening repatriation and reintegration programs.