President Rodrigo Duterte has called for an investigation into courier service J&T Express over complaints on how its personnel handle packages as seen in a viral video on social media.
In a public address late Tuesday night, Duterte ordered the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate the incident.
He also asked the Bureau of Internal Revenue to look into the courier service’s finances.
“Iyong mga padala nawawala, tapos pagdating, pinapalitan. Wala nang laman (Packages are missing. When they arrive, they are replaced). I am not condemning you now. I am not also insinuating that you are liable or guilty of doing it. It would depend greatly on what is the result of the investigation,” the President said.
He urged the public to file complaints against J&T Express before the police stations.
“‘Yung lahat naman na may reklamo (All those who have complaints), go to the nearest police agency. Sabihin ninyo, paturo kayo (Ask them to help you) then file the complaint there — ang inyong affidavit, tapos tingnan ko (your affidavit and I’ll check it),” Duterte said.
Should government agencies find the courier service liable for irresponsibly handling packages, he warned that it could be shut down.
“Because of the so many complaints but I will close you down. Sigurado ‘yan, sasarahan talaga kita (That’s sure. I will have you closed down), whether you like it or not, after the CIDG and the NBI would finish their investigation and would point a liability sa inyo (towards you),” he said.
Duterte said if he is satisfied that an irregularity is involved, “I will file charges also.”
The viral video posted on social media showed some J&T Express personnel recklessly throwing packages inside a delivery truck.
On its official Facebook page, the J&T Express said the mishandling of parcels was an “isolated case” and that they would sanction those identified in the video.
“We would also like to assure the public that this is an isolated case. All of our facilities, including our branches and warehouses across the country, are under 24/7 monitoring. We also follow strict protocols in handling the shipments and ensure that these are handled with proper care,” it said.
Established in Indonesia in 2015, J&T Express has expanded across Southeast Asian countries.
In the Philippines, J&T Express has more than 400 branches nationwide.