VP asks public to show compassion to food delivery riders: ‘They are the uncelebrated heroes’
Published May 30, 2020, 2:25 PM
Recognizing the relentless service of its delivery riders, Vice President Leni Robredo will write a letter to request Grab Philippines to give their incentives on time amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In a Facebook post, Robredo said she would ask the ride-hailing company be “considerate in making sure that the commission of these riders are given the soonest time possible.”
The vice president also sought from Grab to “remove the cancellation option once order is placed, and do not charge it to the rider.”
Her letter was her own way to show appreciation to the hard work and service of food delivery riders who have higher exposure to the spreading virus during the community quarantine.
Residents unused to eating at home had to rely on the motorcycle riders who make it a point to deliver their orders with the suspension of public transport and closure of all restaurants and eateries in Metro Manila and Luzon.
But despite their efforts, some of them end up spending money on canceled orders, prompting Robredo to step in and help.
The vice president said she hoped the public could be more compassionate towards food delivery riders amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Robredo said customers should not make them wait for a long time, or cancel orders after they had already bought the food.
She spoke of her personal encounter with a GrabFood driver who brought her to “silent tears” when he had to endure the difficulties that come with his job.
Prior to the delivery, Robredo recalled the rider asked for an extra cash because she was using her credit card to pay her order. For cashless payment, delivery riders would get their commissions in a later date.
“I just have an issue when people ask for money and replied in a calm voice, ‘Hindi naman po kailangang hingin at nagbibigay po ako talaga.’ But then my sense of defensiveness was hit by compassion, maybe he took the courage to call me as he desperately needed it,” she wrote in a post.
“When he arrived at 2 p.m., I gave him a cold bottle of water, a pack of Fits biscuit and a good tip as I said ’Thank you’. He removed his helmet and revealed his sweaty face and hair to express his gratitude. He said that he has not eaten his lunch. The one I gave him is enough to keep him going to the next delivery to maximize every order that he gets,” she narrated.
Robredo commended the delivery riders as the “uncelebrated heroes” in this time of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We do not know the situations of these riders since they had no income in the beginning of the quarantine. Any form of compassion, respect and help goes a long way,” she said.
