We search all over the internet for noteworthy Philippine stories to share and keep you updated about what’s happening on this side of the world.

Here are some of the top headlines from this fourth week of March 2021.

House approves bill protecting freelancers on final reading

A bill seeking the protection of freelance workers has been approved on third and final reading in the House of Representatives.

Under the House Bill No. 8817, the execution of a written contract between a freelancer and the hiring party is required, making the enforcement of freelancers’ rights easier and more accessible.

8,773 new COVID-19 infections push Philippines’ active cases to almost 100K

The Philippines’ tally of COVID-19 cases surged to 693,048 on March 25 with an all-time high of 8,773 new infections even as six laboratories failed to submit data on time.

The previous highest daily increase was recorded on March 22 at 8,019. This marks the second time that more than 8,000 cases were recorded since the pandemic began.

OCTA survey: Increase in workers’ wages is top issue that Duterte must address

Nearly half of Filipinos chose the increase of workers’ wages as the top issue that President Rodrigo Duterte must immediately address, as per a survey by OCTA Research group published on March 24.

Around 47% of adult Filipino respondents in the survey want to increase the salaries of workers. The issue is the most urgent national concern across the three socio-economic classes (ABC, D, E) in the survey.

Chances of Taal Volcano eruption increasing, warns Phivolcs

State volcanologists warn the public the chance of a magmatic eruption of Taal Volcano is increasing after more earthquakes are monitored in the area.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology adds that harmonic tremors associated with the movement of magma “has become the dominant type of earthquake” since March 19.

Filipinos rethink overseas jobs as work from home becomes norm

The coronavirus pandemic has been prompting more Filipinos to abandon their desire to work abroad and instead look for jobs onshore that allow their employees to work from the comforts of their homes.

A report released by job portal JobStreet showed that 54% of Filipino respondents still express willingness to work overseas. However, the figure was lower than 75% recorded in 2018, and getting closer to the current global average of 50%.

BSP keeps interest rates low despite inflation zooming past target

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on March 25, decided to keep interest rates low to support the coronavirus-stricken economy, even as inflation is seen to breach the government target.

The BSP Monetary Board kept the overnight borrowing rate at 2%, while its corresponding lending rate stayed at 2.5%.