Delivery riders, ride-hailing drivers, and other self-employed platform workers in the Philippines are now covered under the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Programme, giving them access to financial and medical support in the event of work-related injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. The protection forms part of the government's efforts to strengthen social protection for Filipino workers, including those in the growing gig economy. According to the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), the programme covers job-related sickness, accidental injury, and disability sustained in the course of work. The expanded coverage has been in place since September 2020, when all self-employed members of the Social Security System (SSS) became eligible under the EC Programme. This means freelancers and independent workers can access the same work-related protection available to company-employed workers.