LABOR leaders are calling on the Marcos administration to support a new international labor convention into concrete protections for Filipino digital platform workers.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), the country’s biggest alliance of labor federations in the Philippines, on Monday called on the government to immediately ratify International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 193, also known as the Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention, 2026.
ILO Convention 193 is the first international treaty that focuses on workers earning a living through digital labor platforms. It was adopted during the just concluded 114th International Labor Conference (ILO) in Geneva.
TUCP also assured the public wants labor safeguards incorporated into the proposed European Union-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (EU-PH FTA) and a new law that would protect workers in the gig and platform economy.
The government, it said, should ensure that the country's trade commitments are consistent with its labor obligations.
The group pointed out that while the draft Digital Trade Chapter of the EU-PH FTA mentions platform workers, it focuses mainly on cooperation and information sharing, and lacks enforceable labor protections.
It pointed out that the draft agreement does not contain clear provisions on workers’ rights, algorithmic accountability, or transparency in digital management systems used by online platforms.
It also expressed concern over provisions that could limit government access to source codes and software algorithms under certain conditions.
According to the TUCP, this could make it difficult to enforce protections required under ILO Convention 193, particularly safeguards against unfair suspension or deactivation of platform workers.
It stressed that transparency and accountability in algorithm-driven systems are essential because these systems directly affect workers’ jobs and incomes.
The group called on Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan Gepty, the country’s chief trade negotiator, to ensure that international trade agreements support decent work and uphold labor standards.
It said foreign investments are welcome but should create quality jobs, protect workers’ rights, and prevent the spread of insecure and poorly regulated platform work.
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said the government supports international standards that place decent work at the center of innovation under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The TUCP is also urging Tolentino to lead efforts for the immediate ratification of the convention and support legislation that would strengthen protections for platform workers.
