REUTERS

THE DEPARTMENT of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will launch an amnesty program this year to allow illegal delivery gig workers to register.

鈥淭he program encourages unauthorized operators to register legally and join a professionalized delivery ecosystem,鈥 the agency said a statement on Thursday. 鈥淲e want to protect our people, not penalize them.鈥

鈥淭his amnesty is about recognition, reliability and rebuilding public trust,鈥 DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda said.

Private express or messengerial delivery service operators are those engaged in express or logistics services, including motorcycle riders, bikers, van operators, foot messengers and app-based delivery providers. 鈥 Ashley Erika O. Jose