QUEZON CITY – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) contributed research-based insights to the National Meeting of Philippine Trade Unions and Platform Workers, organized by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) – Asia Pacific on 19 November 2025 at the ALU.APSU.ITF Building, Cubao, Quezon City.

Supported by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Philippines, the meeting brought together trade unions, platform workers, and ITUC partners to deepen understanding and strengthen national advocacy for decent work in the platform economy. Representing ILS were OIC Deputy Executive Director Miraluna S. Tacadao, Franchesca Rose S. Castillo, and Diether B. Navarosa of the Workers’ Welfare Research Division.

The event featured an open dialogue on the state of the platform economy in the Philippines, covering key sectors, emerging trends, and existing policy frameworks related to platform work. Discussions also addressed the policy landscape, workers’ rights, and sustainability initiatives, including the potential environmental impacts of transport and delivery services.

During the session titled “Understanding the Bigger Picture: The Platform Economy in the Philippines,” OIC Deputy Executive Director Tacadao presented ILS studies on the gig economy. Bureau of Labor Relations Director Arturo Alfonso J. Herbosa also shared insights on current measures and policy considerations relevant to platform work and workers’ rights.

In 2023, ILS published the working paper “Evolving a Governance Framework for Workers in the Gig Economy,” which provides an analysis of gig economy governance and offers new insights from key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Findings revealed that the employment relationship of gig workers remains a contentious issue despite existing legal frameworks, underscoring the need for strengthened and adaptive policy responses.

The full paper can be accessed here: https://ils.dole.gov.ph/2023-research-papers/evolving-a-governance-framework-for-workers-in-the-gig-economy

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