Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has introduced Senate Bill 2107 or the “Freelance Workers Protection Act” to offer freelance workers protection and incentives. As a member of the Senate Committee on Labor, the Senator aims to guarantee that freelance workers’ rights are respected and that they are fairly paid for their services. He notes that an increasing number of Filipinos are choosing freelancing as a means of income, especially during the pandemic.
The proposed legislation seeks to empower freelance workers to demand payment for services rendered through legal means, impose fines on fraudulent hiring parties, and make it a criminal offence to fail to compensate Filipino freelance workers. Under the bill, hiring parties must execute a written agreement with freelance workers before they render any services. The bill also mandates that freelance workers receive a down payment of not less than 30% of the contract price on engagement, and a night shift differential of not less than 10% of their regular compensation if they work at night. Hazard pay equivalent to 25% of the total payment for the deployment period must also be given to all freelance workers stationed in dangerous areas.
Additionally, the proposed legislation prohibits certain illegal practices, such as hiring a freelance worker without a written contract. The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) will be responsible for investigating complaints alleging a violation of the proposed rule and attempting to settle the dispute through mediation or conciliation. If a violation is discovered, the DoLE will issue a notice of violation to the respondent and demand the full payment of compensation. Through this legislative measure, Go believes that Filipino freelance workers will receive equal protection and entitlement to other Filipino workers and contribute to the development of the nation’s economy.
