Manila, May 1 -- Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma is hopeful that at least 25 to 30 percent of job seekers who trooped to various Labor Day job fairs in Metro Manila will be hired on the spot (HOTS).

"My prayer and desire is that those who are here right now, hopefully at least 25 to 30 percent will be hired on the spot," Laguesma said in an interview during the main Labor Day celebration at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on Thursday.

Aside from HOTS applicants, the labor chief said he is also counting on a significant number of "nearly hired" job seekers-those who simply need to submit documents or undergo final screening-and has ordered DOLE regional offices to assist them in securing employment.

There are 14 job fair sit...