QUEZON CITY — A landmark legislative measure is being pushed in the House of Representatives to provide comprehensive legal protection, fair compensation, and benefits such as hazard pay and night shift differential to approximately 1.5 million Filipino freelance workers nationwide.
Under House Bill No. 17, also known as the Freelance Workers Protection Act, filed by Cong. Martin Romualdez, the proposed measure seeks to address the long-standing challenges faced by freelancers, many of whom experience underpayment or non-payment due to the absence of formal written contracts.
According to Romualdez, the initiative aims to formally recognize the significant contribution of the freelancing sector to the Philippine economy while protecting workers from exploitation. Currently, many freelancers operate without adequate legal safeguards, leaving them vulnerable to unpaid compensation and other unfair labor practices.
“It is high time we put teeth into the law to protect our freelancers. They are not just alternative workers; they are one of the primary pillars of our modern economy, and they rightfully deserve adequate legal protection and fair compensation,” Romualdez said.
One of the bill’s key provisions requires a written contract before any work engagement between a freelancer and a client can begin. It also mandates that clients provide an upfront payment of at least 30% of the total contract value to ensure their commitment and help protect freelancers from payment defaults.
Beyond requiring formal agreements, the bill also grants freelancers key labor benefits, including a night shift differential for those working during late hours and hazard pay for assignments that expose them to significant health or safety risks.
To ensure compliance, the proposed measure imposes substantial penalties and fines on clients and employers who violate its provisions. The bill is expected to help create a safer, fairer, and more secure environment for the country’s growing freelance workforce.
