A party-list lawmaker has filed a resolution directing the House of Representatives to look into the proliferation of unregulated couriers allegedly being used by unscrupulous individuals for illicit activities.
In filing House Resolution 481, entitled “A Resolution Urging the House of Representatives of the Philippines to Call for an Inquiry in Aid of Legislation, Into The Proliferation of Unregulated Courier Operators,” Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza urged his colleagues to look into the operations of unregistered couriers which could pose risks to the public.
According to Atienza, there is a need to craft a law to regulate the courier services in the country in order to protect the consumers and legitimate players in the industry.
“The rapid growth of e-commerce resulted to the rise of the demand for courier and freight forwarding services, which started sprouting like mushrooms,” he said.
Under the resolution, these unlicensed couriers include small players like those catering to on-demand delivery, which can be availed of by simply downloading their apps on smartphones.
Atienza said a check with the list of couriers accredited by the Department of Information and Communications Technology reveals not one of the aforementioned couriers possess any accreditation from the Postal Regulations Division of the DICT.
“The DICT revealed that modern information and communications technology are being used by unscrupulous foreign couriers that has placed legitimate freight and courier services companies in an unfair situation of competing against unregulated and fly-by-night operation,” he added.
Atienza cited the Quiapo explosion in May 2017, which was traced to a package sent and carried by a TNVS driver to its consignee.
In another instance, a TNVS driver was arrested while delivering drug package to a consignee.