City dad files law for online buyers to open packages

By Jordan G. Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY – A proposed ordinance was recently filed seeking to require couriers or delivery riders in the city to allow online purchasers to open and examine items they ordered through electronic shopping before the items are released to them.
    Councilor Fred Bagbagen, main author of the measure said, this was is aligned with Republic Act. No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines to protect interests of the consumer, promote general welfare, and establish standards of conduct for business and industry.
    The councilor said, aside from affordability, convenience is the biggest perk of online shopping since individuals can shop from the comfort of their homes sans the traffic, pollution, or pressure from salespersons.
    However, he said this convenience comes with a few disadvantages such as defects in the delivered items, among other things.

Once approved, the ordinance shall penalize couriers operating in the city who are proven to have denied e-shoppers from opening, examining the items for defects, and identifying the parcels/packages.

Erring couriers shall be fined P5,000 or shall have their business permits revoked, at the discretion of the court.

The ordinance was approved on first reading during in regular session of the Baguio City Council and was referred to the Sanggunian’s committee on market, trade and commerce, and agriculture for review and recommendation.