Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has called on the government to provide more support to freelance workers in the country.

Go made the call as the Philippines secured its place as one of the top remote work hubs in the world based on a study released recently by an independent international economic organization. 

Go noted that remote work has opened up opportunities for Filipinos to work from the comfort of their own homes or from locations that suit their needs following the unprecedented changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“In a world marked by unprecedented changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises, the way we work and where we work has evolved significantly. The rise of remote work is fast becoming a hub for freelance workers,” Go said. 

“Remote work…has also allowed individuals from around the world to tap into the rich talent pool that the Philippines offers. The growth of the remote work sector has not only provided more employment opportunities but has also contributed to the country's economy,” he stressed. 

Go, a member of the Senate labor and employment panel, said he is committed to support the country’s freelance workers and push for policies that support the growth of remote work and freelancing in the country as vehicles for more economic opportunities for Filipinos.

He filed Senate Bill No. 2107 or the proposed “Freelance Workers Protection Act” which he said is designed to safeguard and provide incentives for freelance workers, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their rights and guaranteeing fair compensation for their services.

Go, in the explanatory note of the bill, emphasized the growing trend of Filipinos turning to freelancing as a source of income, a trend that has notably surged during the recent years of the pandemic.

In its Instagram post, the World Economic Forum (WEF) listed the 10 fastest-growing remote work hubs in the world based on data from the Nomad List, a platform where over 10,000 members log their remote work locations. 

The Philippines ranks 7^th on the list, which included other ideal destinations across Asia, South America, and Europe. From 2018 to 2022, the country witnessed a 78 percent increase in remote work opportunities.

Under SB No. 2107, any entity engaging the services of a freelance worker must formalize the arrangement through a written contract before the commencement of services. Go said the bill seeks to practically outlaw certain illicit practices in freelancing, such as engaging a freelance workers without a written contract.

Once the bill becomes law, Go said it will also mandate an initial payment of no less than 30 percent of the contract price at the start of the engagement. 

Freelance workers who would be required to work during nighttime hours should receive a night shift differential of at least 10 percent of their standard compensation, the bill also proposes.

Furthermore, all freelance workers who would be assigned to hazardous areas should be granted hazard pay, equivalent to a minimum of 25 percent of their total compensation for the period spent in such high-risk environments. 

Also under the bill, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will be the primary agency tasked to investigate complaints regarding any potential violations of the proposed law.