Senator Win Gatchalian urged the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) to embrace digital transformation as government agencies and the public move toward a paperless future.

At the Senate budget hearing, it was noted that 60% of PhilPost’s mail clients are from the private sector and 40% from government offices that enjoy the franking privilege, including the Judiciary which is now shifting to digital systems.

“The government is your client, but it is also moving toward digitalization. You have to think about your future because we cannot keep subsidizing PhilPost all the time,” Gatchalian told PhilPost, pointing out that its subsidy has risen significantly for 2026, with ₱858.5 million in new appropriations.

“Our end goal is to go paperless. So, how will that affect your operation?” the senator asked.

Postmaster General Maximo Sta. Maria III responded that PhilPost’s core mandate is last-mile delivery, particularly in far-flung areas often underserved by private couriers.

But Gatchalian emphasized the need for reliability and innovation. “Let’s be honest, kapag PhilPost, madalas delayed. Pero kapag parcel delivery, on time. That’s the kind of service we want to see,” he said.

Photo by Mark Cayabyab / OS WIN GATCHALIAN