The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading the proposed measure providing protection for freelance workers.

In a vote of ayes and nays, House Bill 8817 (Freelance Workers Protection Act), which promotes the welfare of freelance workers, was approved at the lower chamber of Congress.

The measure requires a written contract between the employer and the freelance worker covering services to be provided by the freelance worker, details of compensation and benefits, employment period, grounds for breach of contract, the worker's tax identification number as well as other conditions set by the Department of Labor and Employment.

The bill mandates the provision of a night shift differential of not less than 10% of one's regular compensation and hazard pay to freelance workers.

This also requires freelance workers to register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and pay their annual income taxes.

The bill lists the following as unlawful practices for the hiring party:

Pay the compensation due the freelance worker later than 15 days after the date of payment of compensation stated in the written contract of after the rendition of services in cases where there is no written contract;
Require as a condition of payment of compensation, at any time after a freelance worker has commenced rendition of practices, that a freelance worker accept less than the specified contract price; and
Commit any act of retaliation against a freelance worker.
Those who will commit these unlawful practices could be fined with not less than P50,000 but not more than P500,000.

Complaints of any aggrieved party may be filed before the DOLE, through the Undersecretary for Workers with Special Concerns.—LDF, GMA News