By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is seeking to legitimize unregistered private express and/or messengerial service (PEMEDES) operators through the launch of an amnesty program.
PEMEDES refers to individuals or groups engaged in the express or messengerial delivery of written messages, parcels, and other mail matter and includes riders on motorcycles, bicycles, van operators, foot messengers, and app-based delivery providers.
In a statement on Thursday, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said the initiative is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision to modernize and regulate the logistics sector by safeguarding and empowering the country’s gig workers in a digital-first economy.
“We want to protect our people, not penalize them. This amnesty is about recognition, reliability, and rebuilding public trust,” he said.
According to the DICT, the amnesty program will be rolled out in three phases, starting with a nationwide consultation, the launch of a digital registration portal and information campaign, and its formal implementation beginning later this year until early 2026.
The program would allow unregistered PEMEDES operators to regularize their operations without retroactive penalties.
“These [unregistered PEMEDES] operations, while vital to communities and businesses, function outside the scope of national regulation — posing risks to consumers, enabling unfair competition, and limiting the growth potential of the sector,” the DICT said.
It said registering with the DICT will allow them to enjoy benefits such as legal recognition, access to government-led training programs, enhanced market credibility, participation in government initiatives, and improved operational efficiency through best practices and technological tools provided by the agency.
“More than just a regulatory measure, the program marks a step toward digital ‘bayanihan’ — a collective effort to empower informal workers and recognize them as active participants in our growing digital economy.”
As of April 30, regulatory reviews by the DICT flagged 200 suspected ‘colorum’ or unregistered PEMEDES operators.
Under Presidential Decree No. 240, PEMEDES operators may not operate in the country without securing an Authority to Operate (ATO) issued by the DICT through Republic Act No. 7354 and Republic Act No. 10844. (PNA)
