The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) is urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to put workers' concerns at the centre of his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), calling for higher wages, stronger job security, better protection for delivery and ride-hailing riders, and faster enforcement of labour rulings.
In a statement issued Friday, the labor group said economic growth should be measured not only by national figures but by whether workers experience better wages, stable employment, safe working conditions and timely implementation of labor laws.
"We hope the SONA will address the call for a living wage, beginning with a ₱200 daily wage hike, an end to contractualisation, genuine job security, and the swift enforcement of final and executory decisions of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), especially for riders who have already won their cases but are still waiting for execution," FFW President Atty. Sonny G. Matula said.
The group also raised concern over what it described as increasing incidents of killings, stabbings, robberies and other violent attacks against motorcycle ride-hailing and delivery riders.
"With every delivery and every trip, a worker risks his life. It is unjust that they keep the digital economy running while receiving inadequate protection. Violence should never become an occupational hazard," Matula said.
FFW urged Congress to pass the proposed Platform Workers' Protection Act, or POWERR Bill (House Bill No. 6572), which seeks to establish labor rights, social protection, occupational safety standards, insurance coverage and fair working conditions for platform workers.
The federation also called on the President to transmit ILO Convention No. 193 on Decent Work in the Platform Economy to the Senate for ratification following its adoption during the International Labor Conference in Geneva in June 2026.
"Ratification alone is not enough. It must be accompanied by national legislation to guarantee the rights to organise, collective bargaining, proper worker classification, social protection, occupational safety and health, transparency in algorithmic management, due process against deactivation, and effective remedies for violations of workers' rights," Matula added.
Dick Pacioles, president of DigitALL Workers-Pilipinas and the Ninja Van Riders Union-FFW, said platform workers hope their concerns will also be reflected in the President's address.
"Every click has a worker behind it. Every delivery has a rider. We hope the President includes the safety and rights of platform workers in his agenda. Many riders have already won their cases before the NLRC, yet many are still waiting for the execution of final decisions. Delayed justice deprives workers of their livelihood," Pacioles said.
He added that riders face not only road accidents but also crime and inadequate protection while on the job.
FFW Vice President for Research, Advocacy and Partnerships Julius Cainglet said the adoption of ILO Convention No. 193 marked a significant step in recognising the rights of platform workers worldwide and urged the Philippines to ratify the convention and enact the POWERR Bill.
The labour group also called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to review existing regulations that, it said, classify riders as independent contractors and to ensure their rights to organise and engage in collective bargaining.
"For workers, the true State of the Nation Address is measured by four things: decent wages, permanent jobs, safe workplaces and justice that is enforced," Matula said. Ben Balce, Editorial Lead
