(UPDATE) Senators Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan and Risa Hontiveros said Tuesday they were the latest opposition figures to fall prey to delivery scams, raising concern over how fraudsters take advantage of food and grocery service apps.
On Monday, Vice President Leni Robredo, the opposition's bet for president in 2022, got P114,000 worth of grocery items delivered to her Quezon City office. The drivers were compensated for the hassle and the items were returned.
"May BAGONG MODUS ang mga gustong manira sa atin. Magpapanggap na ako at mag-o-order ng nakapangalan sa akin at sa address ng opisina ko. Kawawa ang mga negosyante, mga empleyado, at mga delivery riders na inaagrabyado," Hontiveros said.
READ: Leni Robredo's Office Gets Prank Deliveries Worth P100,000
Robredo's running mate Pangilinan said he received a fake order of frozen meat, cheeses, and wines on Monday. It was a cash-on-delivery (COD) order with P95,624.11 bill from online grocery delivery service Rare Food Shop.
"Fake po 'yung order. Buti na lang hindi pa na-deliver," he said.
Pangilinan said his office was in talks with the grocery service's management regarding the incident, he said.
Hontiveros, who is seeking reelection under Robredo's ticket, also received an email from Rico's Lechon asking for P18,300 as payment for a spicy extra large lechon. Unlike Robredo's and Pangilinan's experience, hers was on hold pending payment.
Accompanying the order is a note with hashtags #WeLoveDuterte and #ILoveDrilon.
The Commission on Human Rights said Tuesday one of its commissioners also received food delivery orders via COD using its hotline number and public email.
"We are already coordinating with appropriate law enforcement agencies and that investigation is underway to address the incident yesterday," it said.
Hontiveros said she would decide whether to pursue legal action to protect local businesses and delivery riders.
Pangilinan urged fraudsters to think about the victims of delivery scams and reminded the public to be vigilant against scammers.
"Pakiusap po sa mga gumagawa nito, hirap na po ang ating mga kababayan sa pandemya, huwag nang manloko pa. Abala sa riders at mga taong nasa likod ng operation ng mga e-commerce websites."