Lawmakers Eyeing to Improve Working Conditions of Delivery Riders and Other Freelancers

Certain lawmakers have filed — or, are planning to file — proposed resolutions that will look into the gig economy’s working conditions, more particularly for the experiences of delivery riders and similar freelancers.

Senator Risa Hontiveros had already filed Proposed Senate Resolution No. 732, she said in a statement on Wednesday. The resolution is aimed at addressing reports of unfair labor conditions and focusing on the social protections available to these workers.

“Without laws that regulate and define the rights of our gig economy workers, they will certainly be exposed to abuse and exploitation,” explained Hontiveros. “Huwag nating hayaan na walang mananagot sakaling may mangyari sa ating mga delivery riders, motorcycle taxi riders, GrabCar drivers, o freelancers.” (“Let’s not allow that no one is to be held accountable in case something happens to our delivery riders, motorcycle taxi riders, GrabCar drivers or freelancers.”)

These freelancers are often classified as independent contractors which do not entitle them to employment benefits like healthcare coverage, 13th-month pay, days off, and other fundamental labor rights.

“No one should be left out, dapat all kasama sa new normal na may sapat na proteksiyon at dignidad sa hanapbuhay, ano man ang kanyang employment status,” (“Everyone should be part of the new normal with sufficient protection and dignity in their livelihood, regardless of their employment status,”) said Hontiveros.

On the other hand, Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian urged SIM registration as a solution to “finally put an end” to online deception like bogus delivery orders.

There have been numerous reports of deceitful callers booking food deliveries, which would then have to be paid by the drivers if unclaimed. Often, these orders would reach thousands of pesos.

“Kung may tamang pagkakakilanlan ang taong nagpa-deliver gamit ang delivery app, hindi magiging madali ang makapangloko sa mga food riders at maiiwasan ang mga ganitong klase ng insidente,” (“If the person ordering deliveries using the delivery app has the right identification, it wouldn’t be this easy deceiving food riders and this kind of incidents could be avoided,”) said Gatchalian.

Source: CNN PH