The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is moving to strengthen labor protections for platform workers following the July 6 fatal stabbing of 35-year-old motorcycle taxi driver Ren Ren De Laviga in Cavite. Labor Secretary Francisco Tolentino met with digital platform company representatives on July 16 to discuss safety, security, and fair working arrangements for riders.
Regulatory Standards and ILO Convention No. 193
To formalize these protections, the agency is looking to adopt International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 193. Adopted last month, this is the first international labor standard specifically designed for the platform economy. According to Secretary Tolentino, the goal is to integrate the sector as a “vital cog” of the Philippine economy by moving beyond traditional employee-employer relationship frameworks to address the rights and obligations of both parties.
Safety Measures and Ongoing Consultations
The recent violence against riders has accelerated the push for new Occupational Safety and Health measures. Secretary Tolentino described worker safety as a “pressing priority” that demands immediate action. As a direct response to the security risks faced by drivers, the agency is moving to establish a 24/7 complaint unit intended to provide immediate assistance to workers in distress. Additionally, the department has referred the case of the late Ren Ren De Laviga to its Employees’ Compensation Commission program to ensure his family receives appropriate support.
Industry Perspectives on Regulation
During the July 16 dialogue, representatives from digital platform companies expressed their own commitments to advancing decent work, specifically citing efforts to improve fair compensation, safety, and data privacy. However, these firms cautioned against the implementation of a “one-size-fits-all” regulatory approach. The companies noted that their diverse business models may require more flexible, tailored oversight rather than uniform mandates.
Future Outlook for Platform Workers
Moving forward, the sector is likely to see continued consultations between DOLE, platform firms, and other relevant stakeholders. While the government seeks to formalize standards, the balance between safety and the operational flexibility of these companies remains a central point of negotiation. Future regulatory steps could involve a shift in how the state classifies the responsibilities of platform companies, provided these changes align with the newly adopted international standards established by the ILO.
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