DTI to file charges vs freight firms for non-delivery of balikbayan boxes

The Department of Trade and Industry will file charges against three freight forwarding companies for failing to deliver balikbayan boxes to 38 recipients in the country. The DTI has endorsed to the Department of Justice for investigation the complaints against Al Rodah Marines Services, Rodah Cargo Services, and D'Winner Logistics Philippines Inc., said Trade Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya. "We asked the DOJ to help in filing appropriate charges against these firms," said Maglaya on the sidelines of an event in Makati City on Monday. According to DTI-Philippine Shippers Bureau director in charge Victorio Mario Dimagiba, the boxes were shipped by Al Rodah Marine Services from Dubai and consigned to D'Winner Logistics and Rodah Cargo Services to deliver to their intended recipients. "The department has meted administrative sanctions on them but we aim to stop them in deceiving more consumers so we are recommending to DOJ that they be criminally charged on their wrongdoing," Dimagiba said. According to the DTI, the complainants were the senders in Dubai and the consignees in Manila, Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Davao del Sur, La Union, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Rizal and Sorsogon. With an insurance value of $200 per box, the losses are estimated at $11,200, said the DTI. — BM, GMA News