NLRC Ruling Boosts Rights of Food Panda Riders, Cebu-Based Workers Demand More
The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) in Central Visayas has made a significant ruling that challenges the gig economy's 'contractor' model. The ruling, which affects Food Panda's operator, Delivery Hero Logistics Philippines, Inc. (DHLPI), has sparked demands for further changes from Cebu-based riders.
The NLRC ruling mandates that riders be treated more like employees, granting them eligibility for the 13th-month pay and government benefits such as SSS, Pag-Ibig, and PhilHealth. This decision comes after the base fee for riders was reduced from P55 to P25, along with the removal of batching incentives (P20, P10, P5). The NLRC has ordered DHLPI to reinstate the P55 base fee and associated incentives, effective Nov. 7, 2025.
In response to this ruling, Cebu-based riders, represented by the National Union of Food Delivery Riders Cebu Chapter (Riders-Sentro), have demanded that DHLPI re-establish a physical headquarters in the city. They believe this will provide tangible support for serious issues and address algorithmic fairness concerns.
The NLRC's ruling marks a substantial shift in the gig economy, extending employee-like benefits to riders. Cebu-based riders, however, are pushing for further changes, seeking a physical headquarters to ensure better support and fairness. The impact of these demands on DHLPI and the gig economy remains to be seen.
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