More than just gigs: New Bill to Guarantee Hazard Pay and Night Shift Differential for 1.5 Million Freelancers

A bill is being pushed in the House of Representatives that aims to provide stronger legal protection, fair compensation, and benefits such as hazard pay and night shift differential for an estimated 1.5 million Filipino freelancers nationwide.

Under House Bill No. 17, or the Freelance Workers Protection Act—authored by Speaker Martin Romualdez—the proposal aims to address the long-standing problem of freelancers who are frequently underpaid, face delayed payments, or go entirely unpaid due to the lack of clear agreements with their clients.

According to Romualdez, it is time to further recognize the crucial role of the freelancing sector in the economy while ensuring sufficient protection for the workers who comprise it. He noted that many freelancers still work without clear legal safeguards, leaving them more vulnerable to abuse and to becoming victims of non-payment for their hard work and services.

“It is high time we put teeth into the law to protect our freelancers. Hindi lamang sila ordinaryong alternative workers; sila ay isa sa mga primary pillars ng ating modernong ekonomiya, at nararapat lamang na makatanggap sila ng sapat na legal protection at fair compensation,” Romualdez stated.

One of the key provisions of HB 17 mandates a written contract before any freelance engagement begins. This aims to clarify the scope of work, agreed-upon compensation, payment schedules, and other obligations of both the freelancer and the client to prevent misunderstandings.

The bill also requires clients to provide a down payment of at least 30% of the total contract value as an initial guarantee of their commitment to the agreed project.

In addition, the measure recognizes the need to provide proper compensation to freelancers working under special conditions. This includes night shift differential for those regularly working the graveyard shift and hazard pay for assignments that carry risks to their safety and health.

To ensure compliance with the law's provisions, HB 17 establishes corresponding penalties and fines against clients or employers who violate the mandated obligations.

With the growing number of Filipinos entering freelancing, the proposed law is expected to help establish clearer standards between freelancers and their clients while strengthening protections for one of the country's fastest-growing sectors.