MANILA, Philippines — Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Wednesday committed to holding a dialogue with riders of food delivery service Food Panda, who protested against “unfair labor practices” in front of the office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
“They would want to sit down and ask for a dialogue and the Secretary behind me is committing himself that he would meet them soon,” Senator Joel Villanueva said during the Senate deliberations on the proposed budget of DOLE for 2021.
Villanueva was defending the proposed budget of DOLE.
Before this, Senator Richard Gordon informed DOLE of reports that Food Panda riders went to the agency’s building in Intramuros, Manila City, to protest “unfair labor practices.”
“Their payments, according to them, are based on an unfair grading system that is done by a computer. Whether they’re on time, whether they’re late. Whether they’re efficient,” Gordon said.
He then asked DOLE if these riders have insurance and health benefits.
“What protection are we giving these Food Panda drivers?” Gordon asked.
“Do they have SSS (Social Security System), PhilHealth, and other protections? Do they have extra pay, supported during calamities?” he added.
Responding to Gordon’s query, Villanueva said DOLE admits there are no specific guidelines yet on the food delivery industry.
“This particular industry is somehow new, a new economy,” Villanueva said.
“But if we talk about SSS and PhilHealth, they are covered,” he added.