By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Lalamove founder and CEO Shing Chow faces a Senate show-cause order after missing three consecutive hearings on the regulation of digital labor platforms, prompting Sen. Raffy Tulfo to warn of possible contempt proceedings and an arrest warrant if the executive continues to ignore the inquiry.
Tulfo, chair of the Senate committee on public services, directed the committee secretary on Wednesday to require Chow to explain why he should not be cited in contempt over his repeated failure to attend the proceedings.
“People from Lalamove always snub this hearing,” Tulfo said, questioning why company representatives had failed to appear three times in a row.
The senator also ordered the prompt issuance of a subpoena to compel the executive’s attendance, warning that authorities could pursue an arrest warrant against Chow if he again failed to appear.
The Senate inquiry is examining operational regulations for digital labor platforms, including concerns over the welfare and compensation of delivery riders.
Lalamove, an on-demand delivery service, has been asked to address issues affecting its drivers as lawmakers scrutinize the responsibilities of companies operating through app-based labor systems.
The committee’s planned action underscores its effort to secure the participation of company leadership in the proceedings and obtain explanations on matters affecting platform workers.
ia/xf
