DURING last week’s episode of OpinYon News Ngayon, one of the topics discussed was the recent decision of a local government unit in Laguna province, to temporarily suspend the collection of fees inside private gated subdivisions from delivery personnel bringing basic necessities to residents.
This move, in the view of many citizens, is long overdue.
With Metro Manila and surrounding provinces once again under strict quarantine until May 14, delivery services have become a vital part of keeping our economy alive during the pandemic, and in the process keeping the people safe in the confines of their homes.
However, the fees imposed by private subdivisions are proving to be a headache for delivery personnel and residents alike.
Aside from consuming their time, these poor delivery men often had to shell the fees out of their pockets as there’s no guarantee that the residents will shoulder the extra cost.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano had said as early as last year that collecting gate fees from delivery crew is “not allowed,” but many homeowners’ associations in Laguna continue to do so.
The reason? Some LGUs did not pass the appropriate legislation suspending these fees for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This, unfortunately, put added stress and financial strain on many of our delivery riders who are already risking their health bringing goods closer to people.
In this pandemic, it behooves therefore, for local officials to make life easier for our citizens and in this case for subdivision developers not to be greedy and spare economic frontline workers like these poor delivery crew from additional burden of having to pay these so-called gate fees.
After all, that is one way for them to show their cooperation and support as the whole country struggles to get back on its feet after being hit with economic thunderstorm brought by this still raging pandemic.