A labor arbiter from the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) has dismissed a complaint filed by 39 Bulacan-based delivery riders against Delivery Hero Logistics Philippines, Inc. (DHLPI), ruling that no employer-employee relationship existed between the parties.
In a decision dated July 31, 2025, the Labor Arbiter (LA) held that the riders are independent contractors and not regular employees of DHLPI. In so ruling, the LA noted that the riders had the freedom to manage their own schedules, reject bookings, and simultaneously work with other delivery platforms—circumstances that are inconsistent with traditional employment.
The LA also found that the riders failed to establish the essential elements of the four-fold test for employment. The LA found that operational policies, such as wearing uniforms, following app-based batching systems, or using GPS tracking, were no proof of control. The decision also pointed out that earlier NLRC rulings cited by the riders were not binding precedents, which only apply to final Supreme Court decisions.
The court dismissed the complaint for lack of merit and jurisdiction. The LA also noted that even if the riders were considered employees, as field personnel paid on a task basis, they would not get certain benefits such as holiday pay or 13th-month pay.
Under Article 229 of the Labor Code and the 2011 NLRC Rules of Procedure, the ruling becomes final and executory unless appealed to the Commission by any or both parties within ten (10) calendar days from receipt thereof.
