DICT chief seeks to regulate online couriers, forwarders

MANILA, Philippines — Information and Communications Technology Secretary Gregorio Honasan has urged lawmakers to pass a law regulating internet-based cargo couriers, and forwarders to protect the public from unlicensed companies.

During a budget hearing, Honasan said the absence of regulation of couriers is becoming a problem as it gives rise to bogus operators who could victimize unsuspecting customers.

 “We have already noticed this among couriers and forwarders. We are studying the situation,” he said.

He said this aspect of e-commerce is expanding, along with selling products on the internet.

Rep. Lito Atienza of party-list group Buhay asked Honasan’s agency “to do something to protect consumers from couriers illegally conducting business.”

“We will soon start an inquiry on this and we will need your cooperation,” he told Honasan, who promised to cooperate.

Atienza has received information that e-courier and forwarding is already a P36-billion industry.

 “Millions of Filipinos are now buying or selling things on the internet, and these products are delivered by couriers and forwarders. It’s important that they be regulated and licensed to protect the public,” he said.

Some of the big and popular forwarding companies are affiliates of foreign firms, he said.

Atienza said he would like to know if these forwarders have permits from the appropriate government agencies.

He noted out that couriers and even transport network drivers have been used for illegal activities like delivering illegal drugs to customers.

Atienza recalled the recent case of a network driver who, suspecting that he has been hired to deliver drugs, took the package to the police.

 “We need to craft a law to regulate this growing aspect of e-commerce business,” he said.