The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the essential role of delivery riders, who continued working despite exposure to health risks and insufficient labor protections. In the Philippines, many riders operate as "independent contractors" on digital platforms, excluding them from social security benefits, insurance, and other labor rights. This study examined the working conditions of delivery riders in Davao City, focusing on labor rights issues such as job misclassification, unfair treatment, and lack of social protections. It aims to analyze whether existing legal frameworks adequately protect delivery riders and to assess potential policy reforms. Qualitative research design was employed, utilizing Key Informant Interviews (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGD), alongside a policy analysis of Philippine labor laws and relevant international rulings in Spain and France. The research setting covers urban delivery networks in Davao City, where gig work serves as a primary or supplementary source of income for many workers. Findings indicate that delivery riders experience long working hours, inconsistent earnings, and occupational hazards without proper protection. The misclassification of riders as independent contractors prevents them from accessing employee benefits, leaving them vulnerable to economic instability and workplace exploitation. International legal precedents, particularly rulings in Spain and France, provide a basis for reclassifying gig workers as employees, ensuring fair compensation and workplace protections. The study recommends legislative reforms to redefine the employment status of delivery riders, enforce fair wages, and improve working conditions on digital platforms. Future research should explore the financial and operational implications of gig worker reclassification and examine collective bargaining mechanisms for digital laborers in the Philippine context.

Keywords: delivery riders, gig economy, digital platforms, independent contractors, labor rights, workers’ protection