Go files bill on freelance work

SEN. Christopher «Bong» Go on Wednesday reiterated his commitment to support freelance workers as the Philippines secured its place as one of the top global remote work hubs.

Thus, Go filed Senate Bill (SB) 2107, or the «Freelance Workers Protection Act,» that seeks to establish safeguards and incentives for freelance workers, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their rights and guaranteeing fair compensation for their services.

«In a world marked by unprecedented changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and other global crises, the way we work and where we work have evolved significantly. The rise of remote work is fast becoming a hub for freelance workers,» said Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Labor.

«Remote work has opened up opportunities for Filipinos to work from the comfort of their own homes or from locations that suit their needs. It has also allowed individuals from around the world to tap into the rich talent pool that the Philippines offers. The growth of the remote work sector has not only provided more employment opportunities but has also contributed to the country's economy,» he added.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently posted on Instagram the 10 fastest-growing remote work hubs in the world based on data from the Nomad List, a platform where over 10,000 members log their remote work locations, with the Philippines ranking seventh.

Nomad List includes other ideal destinations across Asia, South America and Europe. From 2018 to 2022, the Philippines witnessed a 78 percent increase in remote work opportunities.

In 2023, based on the data from the first 10 months, the country is still on the rise, with a 60 percent growth rate.

Last year, the growth rate was 1,183 percent, showcasing the rapid expansion of the remote work ecosystem in the country.

Freelancing

In SB 2107's explanatory note, Go emphasized the growing trend of Filipinos turning to freelancing as a source of income, a trend that has notably emerged during the recent years of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the proposed legislation, any entity engaging the services of a freelance worker must formalize the arrangement through a written contract before the