By Daniel Manalastas
The House of Representatives gave its nod to House Bill 8817 which seeks to provide protection for freelance workers otherwise known as “Freelance Workers Protection Act”.
195 solons voted for the approval of the measure on 3rd reading without objections before the House goes on a Holy Week break.
Under the proposed bill, one of the benefits which a freelance worker will be entitled to is the hazard pay to at least 25% of the total payment as it is included in the Section 6 of the measure.
“All freelance workers in dangerous areas such as strife-torn or embattled locations, distressed or isolated stations, prison camps, mental hospitals, radiation-exposed clinics, laboratories or disease-infested areas,” the bill provided.
A written contract will also be required from the hiring party and shall execute it with such freelance worker before services are rendered.
The contract shall be written in plain language, understood by both parties and it shall include, at the minimum, the following:
a) Itemization of all services to be provided by the freelance worker
b) Details of compensation and other worker’s benefits, including rate, method and schedule of payment
c) Period of employment
d) Grounds for breach of contract on the part of the hiring party and of the freelance worker
e) Tax identification number of the freelance worker; and
f) Any other condition, term or clause that the Department of Labor and Employment may direct, subject to the provisions of this Act.
Once passed into law, a freelance worker will also be entitled to a night shift differential pay of not less than 10% of one’s regular compensation for each hour of work performed between 10PM and 6AM.
Those who will commit unlawful practices will be fined by not less than ₱50,000 but not more than ₱500,000.
Aggrieved freelance workers who wish to report on violations may file a complaint with the Department of Labor and Employment.
The bill also mandates freelance workers to register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and pay their annual income taxes.
