Bill protecting delivery staff filed

A bill seeking to protect delivery service providers against customers cancelling orders online by penalizing them with up to six months imprisonment was filed in the Senate.

Senate Bill (SB) 1677 was filed by Senator Lito Lapid as delivery service businesses thrived amid COVID-19 pandemic to sustain the needs of residents and families during the lockdown period.

Despite risking their lives to provide services amid the pandemic, the lawmaker noted that these delivery service personnel experience “unjustified” cancellation of orders, and in some instances, customers are not showing up to pay for their goods which the riders and delivery personnel have already paid in advance.

These delivery service personnel experience “unjustified” cancellation of orders, and in some instances, customers are not showing up to pay for their goods.

With this, the senator proposed penalties for unjustified cancellations slapping customers who cancel orders at least three times in a period of one month with arresto mayor or jail time of one month and one day up to six months.

A fine of at least P100,000 will also be required under the proposed measure.

SB 1677 will also implement the Know-Your-Customer (KYC) rules which will require submission and verification of proof of identity and residential address, subject to compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 to facilitate the collection against customers who canceled orders.

On the other hand, the bill will also require service providers to establish a reimbursement scheme in favor of delivery riders or drivers that will cover the entire amount of money advances to purchase the items, in case of cancelation of confirmed orders.

The said reimbursements to the riders should be given not later a day from cancellation.

Should the delivery service providers fail to set up the reimbursement scheme, they will face a fine not exceeding P500,000 and double the amount of money not reimbursed to their delivery riders/drivers.