PASAY CITY -- Senator Win Gatchalian said if we want to protect delivery riders from fake bookings and hoax orders, we should also protect them from abusive customers.

Gatchalian made the call in the wake of a video that went viral over the internet of a food delivery rider who was assaulted by a customer for having no spare change.

The Senate has approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2302 or the proposed “Food, Grocery, and Pharmacy Delivery Services Protection Act,” which seeks to punish those who carry out deceit against delivery riders or those who don’t treat them accordingly by placing hoax orders online or refuse to receive an unpaid confirmed order. Gatchalian co-authors the bill.

The lawmaker expressed concern over the video showing a customer trying to attack a food delivery rider for not having enough change for his P1,000 bill.

“Anumang klaseng pang-aabuso sa kapwa, nang dahil lang sa hindi pagkakaintindihan, ay hindi katanggap-tanggap. Hindi dahil customer ay palagi nang tama. Walang dahilan upang pagmalabisan ang mga delivery rider na naghahanap buhay ng marangal,” he said.

Gatchalian also said protecting delivery carriers is stipulated in the committee report on the proposed Internet Transactions Act. Section 13 (c) states that it will be unlawful for consumers to unreasonably shame, demean, embarrass or humiliate online delivery partners.  Any person who violates this provision shall be punished with arresto mayor or a fine exceeding P100,000 without prejudice to any other available remedies under existing laws.

“Sakaling maging ganap na batas na itong mga panukalang ito, mabibigyan na ng sapat na proteksyon ang mga delivery riders laban sa mga customer na mapang-abuso, mapanghamak, at nanghihiya ng wala sa lugar,” he said.

Gatchalian said they have instituted ample protection to the rights of both the consumers as well as those engaged in online selling and delivery personnel in both bills. (OSWG)