Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte and Benguet Representative Eric Yap has called for the swift approval of a measure that aims to safeguard the rights of freelance workers, whose numbers are expected to grow exponentially as the country transitions to a digital economy.

The lawmakers filed House Bill 3738 which seeks to make written contracts mandatory in obtaining the services of freelancers, along with providing them with night differential and hazard pay when applicable.

"Freelancers mostly belong to what we now call the 'gig economy' and have risen in numbers especially during the pandemic. Despite contributing significantly to the country's economic growth, they remain vulnerable to abuse and exploitation," Duterte said.

"With their numbers expected to grow even more as we shift to a digital economy, we need an enabling law to protect their rights and welfare," he added.

Duterte and Yap filed HB 3738 with ACT-CIS Partylist Reps. Edvic Yap and Jeffrey Soriano.

The Philippines ranks sixth among countries with the fastest-growing market for freelancers, according to the 2019 Global Gig Economy Index of the financial services provider Payoneer.

Payoneer said this growth has contributed to a 35 percent rise in freelance earnings.

Independent estimates show that there are about 1.5 million to 2 million Filipino freelancers in the country.

A freelance worker is defined under HB 3738 as a person "whether incorporated under the Securities and Exchange Commission, registered as a sole proprietor under the Department of Trade and Industry or registered as self-employed with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, who is hired or retained to provide services, in exchange for compensation, as an independent contractor to do work according to one's own methods and without being subjected to the control of the hiring party, except only as to the results of the work (done)."

"The bill also states that 'no modification of the terms of the contract shall be enforceable unless signed by both the hiring party and the freelance worker," Yap said.

It also provides for the grant of night shift differential pay of not less than 10 percent of the freelance worker's regular compensation for those who are required to be physically present in the workplace or those on field assignments, for each hour of work performed between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., "unless there is a more favorable fee stipulated" in the contract.

"The bill also encourages freelancers to register with the BIR and file and pay taxes. Freelancers are covered by the tax relief provisions under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law and the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises Act, the bill likewise states," he added.