The problem of the pilots at Philippine Airlines (PAL) is a signal of things to come, not just among professional occupations but in the broader sections of the labor market as well.

The phrase “jobless” growth, for one, creates a false impression that no new jobs have been created. On the contrary, from 1990 to 2008, the Philippine economy produced 12.3 million new jobs or an average of 680 thousand a year. The total number of employed persons rose by a staggering 60% from 22 million to 35 million. Not enough, the experts say, but no mean feat in my opinion.

Second, had our labor force grown at a slightly slower pace of 2% per annum instead of the brisk rate of 2.4% the amount of jobs created would have been enough to employ nearly everyone in the labor force! There would have been severe skills shortages, and we probably would have needed to import workers from abroad rather than export them!

2010 SONA President Benigno S. Aquino III
State of the Nation Address
of His Excellency
Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
to the Congress of the Philippines
Session Hall of the House of Representatives
July 26, 2010
[Batasan Pambansa Complex, …

Speech by Senator Benigno S. “Noynoy” Aquino III delivered on January 21, 2010 before the members of the Makati Business Club at the Peninsula Manila Hotel, Makati City
Four-part video of the speech, courtesy of NoyTV …

Economy: Walang Maiiwan!
Action Plan on the Economy
Underlying all the problems and weaknesses of the country and the economy is corruption and the weakening of our democratic institutions. We will restore trust in government …

Job Generation
Action Plan on Job Generation
We will increase investments to provide quality jobs for Filipinos by lowering the costs of doing business in our country.

We will level the playing field for businesses. We …

Speech of Sen. Benigno S. “Noynoy” Aquino III at the Philippine Maritime and Seafaring Industry Presidential Forum, January 28, 2010
Speech at the Philippine Maritime and Seafaring Industry Presidential Forum
Before I begin, let me tell …

Aquino-Roxas Mindanao Peace and Development Agenda
Action Plan on Peace and Development in Mindanao
Peace and Security
Transparent and consultative peace process

Workable peace is possible only if supported by a broad, active and informed peace constituency.

I …