Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 20) – Multiple charges await embattled cargo delivery business J&T Express following a police investigation ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte over the alleged mishandling of delivery packages, the country’s top cop said on Monday.
Philippine National Police Chief Archie Gamboa said authorities discovered multiple violations committed by the last-mile delivery firm, which found itself in hot water in June due to a viral video showing some of its personnel carelessly throwing parcels into delivery trucks.
The same video showed workers inside a warehouse without face masks and shirts as they sorted parcels and tossed them into trucks, mostly catering to online shoppers at the height of the pandemic. J&T Express has apologized, saying sanctions have been given to workers involved.
Gamboa said apart from this, a probe done by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) showed that J&T also violated labor laws which the PNP is now coordinating with the Department of Labor and Employment, alongside violations of the Law on Reporting of Communicable Diseases.
“True enough, we were able to successfully file separate cases in violation of RA (Republic Act) 11332 and that of (RA) 7394 or the Consumer Protection Act,” Gamboa said during a press briefing.
It was also discovered that J&T’s hub in Muntinlupa was operating without a mayor’s permit, with Gamboa saying that a closure order has since been served.
“Our regional offices of the CIDG are also gathering evidence on their provincial hubs as there might also be violations,” he added, with the probe covering possible breaches of local ordinances in terms of permits and also for violations of trade and labor regulations.
Originally from Indonesia, J&T Express was set up in the country in 2018. It now works with big brands such as online shopping app Shopee.
Duterte earlier warned that he would shut down J&T Express if there will be violations found by government investigators. CNN Philippines has reached out to the company for comment.
The company released a statement on Monday saying it appreciated the PNP-CIDG’s “meticulous investigation to help us improve our service.”
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“We are cooperative with the cease-and-desist order by the City Government of Muntinlupa. We are abiding by the laws and ordinances and we will only operate after receiving the Mayor’s permit for Muntinlupa hub,” it said.
In the same statement, J&T assured its customers that their parcels are well kept and secure, and the company would continue to move their items safely.
