Senate to cite Lalamove CEO for contempt over missed hearing

MANILA — The Senate committee on public services has moved to hold Lalamove founder and CEO Shing Chow accountable for repeatedly failing to attend hearings on operational regulations for digital labor platforms.

The committee will issue a show-cause order requiring Chow to explain his continued absences and justify why he should not be cited for contempt of the Senate. This marks the third successive hearing from which the Lalamove executive was absent without apparent justification.

The ongoing Senate hearings are intended to establish regulatory frameworks governing the operations of digital labor platforms operating in the Philippines. The participation of platform operators is considered crucial to the legislative process, making repeated non-appearance by company executives a matter of legislative concern.

The issuance of the show-cause order represents an escalation in the Senate committee's efforts to compel cooperation from the company. Such orders are typically used when witnesses or individuals fail to comply with legislative summonses, and can result in formal contempt citations if adequate explanation is not provided.

Lalamove, a digital delivery platform, is among several gig economy companies operating in the Philippines whose regulatory status has drawn increased scrutiny from lawmakers concerned with worker protections and labor standards.