DICT Moves To Regulate Informal Couriers via New Amnesty Program

Pursuant to its thrust to modernize and regulate the logistics industry, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is set to introduce its Amnesty Program for unregistered Private Express and/or Messengerial Delivery Service (PEMEDES) operators to facilitate their legal compliance and integration into a professional delivery ecosystem.

 

PEMEDES refers to individuals or entities engaged in the express  and messengerial delivery of written messages, parcels, and mail matter. This encompasses motorcycles, bikers, van operators, foot messengers, and mobile application-based delivery providers.

 

Presidential Decree No. 240 provides that the operation of such firms in the country requires the prior issuance of an Authority to Operate (ATO) issued by the government. This regulatory function is now vested in the DICT through Republic Act No. 7354 and Republic Act No. 10844.

 

As of April 30, 2025, the DICT has flagged around 200 unregistered PEMEDES operators. While the DICT recognizes that these services are vital to the community, their operation outside the regulatory framework exposes consumers to safety risks, enables unfair competition, and limits the growth of the delivery sector.

 

Registration with this Amnesty Program will grant unregistered PEMEDES operators particular benefits such as legal recognition, professional development through access to government-led training programs, and improved market credibility.

 

“We want to protect our people, not penalize them. This amnesty is about recognition, reliability, and rebuilding public trust,” DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said, highlighting the government’s role in empowering the country’s gig workers.

 

The Program will be launched in three phases: (1) nationwide consultations, (2) digital registration and information campaign; and (3) formal implementation which is anticipated later this year until early 2026.