Abbu: Food delivery hub is a corporate prerogative

Councilor Jose S. Abbu, Jr. on Monday said establishing a food delivery rider’s hub is a corporate prerogative.

This was manifested by the councilor during the regular session of the 20th City Council presided over by City Vice Mayor Jocelyn B. Rodriguez, in response to the special report of Councilor Malvern Esparcia about the concerns raised by Food Panda delivery riders.

Councilor Esparcia aired their appeal for benefits such as insurance and health care package, adjusted fare matrix and due process on suspension or termination, among others.

Councilor Abbu, citing the legal aspect of the issue, opines the city can only assist on their concerns through an investigation, in aid of legislation. “But again ato lang mabuhat siguro .. assist the riders para madangop ang ilang concerns ug problema ngadto sa company,” he stressed.

He added issues on suspension or termination can be addressed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

For her part, Vice Mayor Rodriguez said the City should help them, adding these food delivery riders deserve fair treatment since they are also serving city residents especially during the pandemic. We should be sensitive of their needs, she pointed out.

The special report of Councilor Esparcia was referred to the tripartite committees on labor and employment, on public utilities, and on trade and commerce respectively chaired by Councilors Joyleen Mercedes L. Balaba, Romeo V. Calizo and George S. Goking for further discussion.