Protection for Filipino freelancers sought

MANILA, Philippines (Philippines News Agency) — A senator on Sunday sought to protect the rights and welfare of Filipino freelancers as freelancing is slowly becoming a growing sector in the country’s labor force.

Under Senate Bill No. 351, Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said that if approved, freelancers would be given the power to demand from their employers what they are rightfully due under their agreement.

Aquino said that if an employer refuses to pay a freelancer for services rendered, the latter could file a complaint before the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

A penalty of up to P250,000 could be imposed on the non-compliant party if found liable.

The measure also makes it easier for freelancers to register in the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and mandates their exemption from tax payments for the first three years.

“With more and more freelancers in the country, we are confronted with an urgent need to protect this new sector and empower them with ease of doing,” Aquino said.

“Let us waste no time in ensuring that they are not inconvenienced by red tape and that they are protected from difficult, even fraudulent clients,” he added.