DAVAO CIO

DELIVERY riders should be given proper social protection and government benefits, especially during a pandemic when they face extra health risks, a senator said on Monday.

“Their everyday travel in the streets is life-threatening,” Senator Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan, who is running for vice president, said in Filipino in a statement. 

“They are exposed to different kinds of sicknesses so they need protection. Riders should have PhilHealth, SSS (Social Security System), Pag-IBIG (Home Development Mutual Fund).” 

The senator said these service providers make an important contribution to the economy but have no labor protection, and get minimal benefits and small income. 

Mr. Pangilinan and Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo, his standard-bearer, is backing the recommendation of the International Labor Organization to extend social protection coverage to workers in the informal sector, especially during the pandemic.

“We will use the legal means to look into this set-up and hiring practices, and see how we can strike a balance between keeping businesses sustainable and at the same time, giving the riders the benefit and protection due them,” he said. 

Having no employee-employer relationship, the Department of Labor and Employment had previously said that motorcycle riders do not enjoy job security as they are engaged in contracts of service.   

PROTECTION
Meanwhile, a bill providing protective measures to individuals engaged in food, grocery, and pharmacy delivery services was passed unanimously on third and final reading by the Senate on Monday. 

Senate Bill 2302 — which seeks to prohibit any food, grocery, and pharmacy delivery service provider to require riders or drivers to advance any monetary amount for the fulfillment of orders — was passed with 23 affirmative votes. 

In case of cancellation of confirmed orders, the service provider will still have to pay the delivery rider or driver the service fee due as if the transaction was successful. 

The service providers will be responsible for pursuing claims from customers who cancel. 

Under the proposed measure, service providers must also require their customers, prior to registration, to submit a valid proof of identity and residential address. Procedures for identity verification must also be implemented in accordance with Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Companies that violate the proposed law’s provisions will be penalized with a maximum fine of P100,000 and revocation of license. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan 

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