The government reminded remote employees of their rights under Philippine law as work-from-home (WFH) setups become more common again amid the fuel crisis.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Thursday, April 9, shared infographics telling remote workers of their rights, as some employers implement hybrid arrangements or full WFH setups due to rising fuel costs.
“Working from home? Alam mo ba ang rights mo?” the agency asked.
“The Telecommuting Act protects WFH employees — same benefits, fair treatment, work-life balance!” it added.
The DICT reminded remote workers that they are entitled to the same benefits as on-site employees, including regular working hours, overtime pay, leave benefits, and rest days.
WFH workers should also have “equal opportunities for promotion.”
They are likewise entitled to “reasonable working hours” and the “right to disconnect” from work-related communications.
“Your employer must respect boundaries,” the DICT said in its post.
It added that employers must provide “clear work arrangements” and the “necessary equipment or allowance,” among others.
The DICT also suggested that arrangements should be set out in writing or in a “contract.”
“Track your hours properly. Set boundaries with your employer. Know when to disconnect,” it said.
Republic Act 11165, or the Telecommuting Act, protects remote workers from exploitation by employers, stating that the terms and conditions of telecommuting shall not be less than the minimum labor standards.
Calls for employers to implement hybrid working schemes or remote setups were previously raised amid ongoing price hikes in petroleum products, as motorists face higher fuel costs due to the oil crisis.
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Fuel prices have seen an exorbitant increase since February due to the conflict in the Middle East, a key oil-supplying region, with suppliers facing challenges in transporting their products amid military actions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
