Flexible work arrangements are emerging as the strongest pull drawing Filipinos into the platform economy, even as earnings from digital jobs surpass the minimum wage, according to a new study commissioned by the International Labor Organization (ILO).
Presented at the Department of Labor and Employment’s 2026 National Tripartite Conference earlier this month, the study highlights how autonomy—more than income alone—is reshaping employment choices across the country.
Conducted from June to December 2025, the survey covered 400 riders and drivers across 12 regions, spanning nine ride-hailing, delivery, and logistics platforms.
On average, platform workers reported net weekly earnings of P6,704 after expenses such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and permits.
This is significantly higher than the prevailing minimum wage equivalent of around P4,865 per week, based on regional daily wage rates. Despite bearing their own operating costs, many respondents still viewed platform work as financially viable.
But income was not the top motivator. Flexibility dominated. Workers pointed to the freedom to choose their working hours, adjust schedules around family and personal responsibilities, and avoid rigid shifts typical of traditional employment.
Autonomy—particularly reduced direct supervision—also ranked high, reinforcing the appeal of platform-based work arrangements.
The study also points to progress in social protection within the platform economy. Nearly 90% of respondents said they have access to some form of platform-facilitated protection, including health insurance and workplace injury coverage.
Major ride-hailing firms are likewise helping workers enroll in mandatory government programs such as the Social Security System, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG.
These findings come as policymakers, labor groups, and platforms continue to debate how to balance flexibility with security.
For now, the ILO study suggests that for many Filipino workers, the promise of control over time and livelihood remains the defining advantage—one that keeps platform work firmly in motion.
