House approves bill protecting freelancers on final reading

MANILA, Philippines — A bill seeking the protection of freelance workers has been approved on third and final reading in the House of Representatives.

During Thursday’s session, 195 members of the lower chamber approved on final reading House Bill No. House Bill No. 8817 or the “Freelance Workers Protection Act.”

Under the bill, the execution of a written contract between a freelancer and the hiring party is required, making the enforcement of freelancers’ rights easier and more accessible.

The proposed measure also states that freelance workers who are assigned to be present physically in the workplace or those in field assignments shall be paid a night differential of not less than 10 percent of one’s regular compensation for each hour of work performed between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The proposal likewise makes it unlawful to:

• Pay the compensation due to the freelancer later than 15 days after the date of payment of compensation stated in the written contract;
• Require as a condition of payment of compensation, at any time after a freelancer has commenced rendition of services, that a freelancer accept less than the specified contract price; and;
• Retaliate against a freelancer under certain conditions.

Meanwhile, the taxation provision of the measure, states that all freelancers shall register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and shall pay their income taxes annually.

“A person who commits any of the unlawful practices aggrieved by a violation of this Act may file a complaint with the Department of Labor and Employment, through the Undersecretary for Workers with Special Concerns, without prejudice to the filing of a civil action in appropriate cases,” the bill read.

EDV