Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles has taken a stand against the restrictive policies of courier companies that prohibit recipients from opening their packages to verify the content in the light of the increasing number of online selling scams.
She raised concern over the potential implications on consumer rights and safety, urging the Department of Trade and Industry to intervene and address the issue.
Courier companies, such as LBC, J&T, Lalamove, Grab and other similar express delivery services, should be obligated by the DTI to allow shipping recipients to inspect the contents of their packages upon delivery, she stressed.
Consumers must have the right to verify the contents of the packages they bought online to ensure accuracy, prevent fraud and protect their interests, she said.
By imposing arbitrary restrictions, courier companies impede the ability of consumers to exercise their rights, leading to dissatisfaction and potential disputes, he add.
She underscored the importance of a balanced approach that considers both security and consumer rights.
She proposed that the DTI should collaborate with courier companies to draw up guidelines that strike a fair balance between security measures and allowing recipients to inspect their packages without compromising safety.
“We understand the need for security measures to protect packages during transit, but it is equally vital to uphold the rights of consumers. By restricting individuals from verifying the contents of their packages, we inadvertently undermine their trust and satisfaction. We must find a solution that ensures both security and consumer protection,” she said.
