PBA Party-list Rep. Migs Nograles (Facebook)


A ranking House member has slammed the restrictive policies of courier companies that prohibit recipients from opening their packages for verification in the light of the increasing number of online selling scams. "We understand the need for security measures to protect packages during transit, but it is equally vital to uphold the rights of consumers," Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Party-list Rep. Margarita "Migs" Nograles said in a statement Sunday, June 18. The assistant majority leader appealed to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to intervene, as she called the problem "consumer rights and safety" issue. Nograles said courier companies such as LBC, J&T, Lalamove, Grab, and other similar express delivery services should be obligated by the DTI to allow buyers online to inspect the contents of their packages upon delivery. She stressed that consumers should have the right to verify the contents of the packages they bought online to ensure accuracy, prevent fraud, and protect their interests. By imposing arbitrary restrictions, courier companies impede the ability of consumers to exercise their rights, leading to dissatisfaction and potential disputes. Nograles however noted the importance of a balanced approach: she suggests 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. "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.