Reelectionist Senator Francis Tolentino eyes providing recognition for delivery platform motorcycle riders under the Labor Code, including job security, just wages, and social protection.
Speaking at the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas proclamation rally in Pasay City, Tolentino acknowledged the significant role of delivery riders, and cited the need to pass legislation to ensure their welfare and safety.
“Ang gusto pong mangyari ni Senator Tolentino, maipasa yung Gig Economy Law na ako po ang nagsusulong, kung saan yung ating delivery riders ay magkakaroon ng 13-month pay, PhilHealth, at employer-employee relationship,” Tolentino said in his speech.
(“I seek to pass the Gig Economy Law which I authored, which will accord benefits to delivery riders, including the 13th month pay, PhilHealth, and establish an employer-employee relationship.”)
Tolentino is the principal author of Senate Bill No. 1275 entitled, “An Act providing for work benefits and social protection to all delivery platform riders working in the gig economy.”
“Without legal safeguards for their work conditions and benefits, delivery platform
riders remain exposed to potential labor abuses and exploitation,” the senator stated in his proposal.
SB 1257 aims to accord benefits to digital platform riders under the Labor Code, such as minimum wage, holiday pay, night shift differential, and 13th month pay. It also mandates social benefits like SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG, as well as occupational safety and health standards.
Under the bill, an employer-employee relationship between the delivery platform rider and the digital platform employer shall be assessed in accordance with existing laws and jurisprudence.
Tolentino has consistently fought for the rights and welfare of millions of motorcycle riders. He authored Senate Bill 2555, which will remove the burdensome double plate requirement under the Doble Plaka Law. The measure is due to be signed into law by President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.
The senator also strongly opposed the policy of the Land Transportation Office penalizing the use of temporary plates. This, even if the shortcoming stems from the failure of the agency itself to address its mounting backlog in producing official licence plates.
Tolentino is running under the banner of President Marcos Jr,’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas and Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.