Duterte orders probe of courier firm

MANILA, Philippines  — President Duterte has threatened to shut down courier firm J&T Express, saying he had received complaints about the alleged mishandling of parcels and missing packages.

Duterte ordered the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the National Bureau of Investigation as well as the Bureau of Internal Revenue to look into the operations of the company, which recently drew flak over an online video showing its employees throwing parcels into a delivery truck.

“May isa dito na madalas akong makatanggap ng complaint (There’s one company against which I often receive complaints). You better shape up,” he said.

Duterte, however, clarified that he is not yet passing judgment on J&T until the probe is completed.

Duterte cited reports about the alleged mishandling of packages by the courier firm’s employees, but believes that the missing parcels constitute a more serious concern.

“It’s not really one or two incidents of throwing (parcels). It’s not so much about the handling of cargo, it’s the lost cargo or cargoes that you switched,” he said.

J&T has said that the throwing of parcels caught on video was an isolated case and assured the public that it does not tolerate such acts. The company has also vowed to take responsibility for the incident.

Duterte called on courier firms to ensure that the packages would reach their intended recipients.

“Your warranty to the public, ‘Your cargo will arrive safe and sound,’ better do it with the standard of parity. If you are not satisfied, file complaints,” he added.

Brig. Gen. Rhoderick Armamento, CIDG deputy director for administration, said they have discussed with investigators how to handle the probe.

“We have met with our National Capital Region field unit and our legal department,” he said in a text message.

Armamento did not go into details about the meeting. It is unclear if they have coordinated with the management of J&T Express. Emmanuel Tupas

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