The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill which seeks to give private sector employees the option to work outside the office through telecommuting. The bill provides that an employer in the private sector may offer a telecommuting program to its employees on a voluntary basis, and upon such terms and conditions as they may mutually agree upon. Under HB 7402, the said terms and conditions should not be less than the minimum labor standards set by law, and should include compensable work hours, minimum number of work hours, overtime, rest days, and entitlement to leave benefits. If passed into law, telecommuting employees are also entitled to a rate of pay, including overtime and night shift differential, and other similar monetary benefits not lower than those provided in applicable laws, and collective bargaining agreements. They would also have the right to rest periods by regulating the operation of their internet servers after normal working hours as well as during weekends, regular holidays and special non-working days.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 28, 2018 09:59 UTC