The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) launched Phase 2 of the Private Express and Messengerial Delivery Service (PEMEDES) Licensing Portal on June 23, 2026, introducing the Messenger Work License (MWL) Virtual ID for delivery riders nationwide. The rollout took place at the DICT Central Office in Quezon City.
The agency said the courier and delivery sector had operated under inconsistent standards for rider accreditation and identification, resulting in gaps in accountability, fraud prevention, and consumer protection. The initiative is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen public trust in government digital services.
“Every delivery matters. Every rider deserves recognition. Through the PEMEDES Licensing portal, we are making delivery services more professional, more accountable, and more secure for everyone,” DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda said.
The portal, developed by the DICT Management Information Systems Service, allows riders and operators to register online, submit requirements, undergo identity verification, and obtain a digital ID. It draws on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s e-Verify system for National ID integration and facial recognition, and uses automated document processing, AI-assisted data extraction, and QR-enabled identification to enable real-time approval once requirements are complete.
Industry stakeholders present at the launch included the Private Express and Messengerial Association of the Philippines, Go21, Foodpanda, LBC Express, Angkas Padala, Flash Express, JoyRide, PH Global Jet Express Inc., PureRide, Fastrust, Exmer Inc., and STO Express.
DICT data cited separately show PEMEDES-related complaints dropped from 1,210 in January 2026 to 151 as of June 23, a decline the agency attributed to reforms including the “Oplan Bantay Padala” program and the initial January rollout of the licensing portal. Full implementation of the portal proceeds under DICT Department Circular No. HRA-005, series of 2025, which took effect in September 2025.
The DICT described the PEMEDES portal as part of a broader effort to modernize regulatory services and support the country’s digital economy. The portal is accessible at register.pemedes.gov.ph.
