A law safeguarding freelance workers is being proposed at the House of Representatives.
The bill being advanced at the Lower House by Rep. Christopher De Venecia is seeking the provision of hazard pay, comprehensive contracts, and night shift differential to freelance workers.
A freelance worker is also entitled to be compensated within 15 days under the bill to prevent abuse from clients and other parties.
“Another thing na ina-address nitong panukalang ito is ‘yung mga kumbaga maayos na ‘yung usapan ninyo, tapos biglang midway, at magdadahilan ng kung ano-ano ‘yung party, biglang liliit ‘yung bayad (The bill is also addressing the act of other parties to suddenly reduce payment midway despite initially having a clear agreement),” De Venecia stated.
The passage of the bill which has a similar version at the Senate is being anticipated. As of press time, the bill has already passed the committee level. Workers and the Associate Labor Union have expressed support for the new measure.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the non-establishment of benefits to freelancers that regular employees enjoy. – Report from Daniel Manalastas
