J&T Express violated several laws —PNP chief

Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has found alleged violations of laws by local courier company J&T Express.

At a virtual press briefing, PNP chief Police General Archie Gamboa said he received the report of the CIDG last July 14.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered an investigation on the company after some of its employees were caught in a video throwing pieces of parcel into a truck.

"As a matter of fact, other than those na naging viral sa video which was also the basis for the investigation, may mga na-find out pa including violations of the labor law of which the PNP in coordination with the DOLE is taking cognizance of it," Gamboa said.

However, he did not specify the labor laws purportedly breached by the company.

"Ngayon, dito naman we have also actively coordinated with the DTI regarding these numerous complaints against the J&T Express and true enough we were able to successfully file separate cases in violation of RA 11332 and that of 7394 or the Consumer Protection Act of the Philippines," Gamboa added.

He also mentioned that a certain hub of the company was ordered closed due to lack of necessary permit to operate.

"Then further because dito sa J&T Express hub located in Barangay Muntinlupa, they were operating without the necessary mayor's permit. Because of that violation there is a closure order and actual pictures have been taken to implement such a closure order," Gamboa said.

The PNP chief said authorities are also checking other provincial hubs for violations.

Duterte had warned the firm's owner of possible closure should it be found liable as, according to him, he had received reports that some of the items it delivered were lost or replaced.

In a separate statement, J&T Express said it will comply with the closure order for its Muntinlupa hub, and it is now securing the necessary permits to resume operations.

"We are cooperative with the cease and desist order by the City Government of Muntinlupa," it said.

"We are abiding by the laws and ordinances and, we will only operate after receiving the Mayor’s permit for Muntinlupa hub," it added.

Earlier, J&T Express vice president Zoe Chi expressed shock over the viral video as he apologized to the public.

“We would like to apologize about the incident that has circulated a few days ago. We were shocked to see the video. We humbly take full responsibility for this incident,” she said. —LDF, GMA News