This New Bill Seeks To Protect The Rights Of Freelancers, Virtual Assistants, And Riders

Right now, the law still leaves a huge gap when it comes to protecting the digital workforce such as freelancers and independent contractors. Most of them don't have access to government benefits, paid leaves, holiday or night-shift pay, or any real job security. Layoffs can happen without warning, and unlike regular employees, they have almost no safety net.

The Protektadong Online Workers, Employees, Riders, at Raketera (POWERR) bill aims to bridge that gap. Filed by Congressman Chel Diokno of Akbayan Partylist, the bill pushes for stronger protections for riders, virtual assistants, freelancers, and other online platform workers. As online work continues to grow, the bill aims to cover digital workers so they can get fair treatment and legal protection. 

"Filipino online workers face several challenges. Many are treated as independent contractors instead of employees. Their status means they lack basic safety nets. As a result, they do not receive benefits such as health insurance, social security, or paid leave," the bill wrote. 

It also pointed out other challenges faced by the digital workforce, including the 12% VAT on digital services that makes essential work tools more expensive, limited access to upskilling, and the risk of being left behind as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow. As the bill notes, "technological innovation must serve human dignity."

"Marami sa ating mga kabataan at kababayan ngayon ay kumikita bilang online workers, entrepreneurs, riders, at sa tulong ng iba pang raket," Atty. Diokno said in a statement. 

"Dapat nating tiyakin na may mga nakalatag na polisiya para kilalanin ang mga karapatan ng ating mga manggagawa sa nasabing larangan, lalo na ang kabataan," he added. 

SENTRO, a labor group in the Philippines, welcomed the bill, emphasizing that fairness and protection are essential to keeping the digital economy moving.

"With regular employee status, social protection, transparent algorithms, skills development, and a clear option to remain an independent contractor—work becomes fairer and more secure," the group said.

"For platform companies—you must recognize that it is unacceptable to earn billions while those who create that value carry all the risk and yet gain so little of the reward. Fairness and protection are non-negotiable," it added.

ICYDK, the rise of the digital workforce in the Philippines surged at the height of the pandemic. More Filipinos leaned into remote work for its flexibility, the chance to skip the strict 9-to-5 schedule, and the wider access to global employers. In 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the digital economy, powered largely by digital workers, contributed P2.25 trillion, or 8.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).