Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno on Wednesday filed a measure aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of online platform workers, regardless of their employment status or classification.
Diokno, together with fellow Akbayan party-list representatives Perci Cendana and Dadah Ismula, and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, filed House Bill 6572 or the Protektadong Online Workers, Employees, Riders, at Raketera (POWERR) Bill, accompanied by several motorcycle taxi riders.
“Many of our youth and countrymen today earn money as online workers, entrepreneurs, riders, and with the help of other rackets,” Diokno said in Filipino, noting that while these new forms of work offer flexibility compared to traditional employment, workers must still be guaranteed protection.
Among the key provisions of the POWERR Bill are the establishment of clear and fair contracts, equitable compensation, a night differential, overtime pay, holiday pay, limited deductions, and access to social protection benefits, including SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and maternity benefits.
Under the bill, workers are allowed to form unions or associations, bargain collectively, join national or international organizations, and conduct peaceful concerted actions.
It provides protection against worker misclassification, ensuring online platform workers are not automatically tagged as independent contractors. It also prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, color, marital status, age, disability, and SOGIESC.
Finally, the proposed measure imposes penalties such as fines in the amount of P100,000 to P500,000 as well as prison terms for misclassification or other violations. It will also hold corporate officers personally liable for the offenses.
