Mark Villar wants creation of scam prevention center

SEN. Mark Villar has filed a measure seeking for the creation of a center for online scam prevention to address the rising cases of digital fraud and financial scamming.

Villar filed Senate Bill (SB) 2924 or the proposed Philippine Scam Prevention Center (PSPC) Act and urged stakeholders and the public to support its passage to enhance the country's fight against online fraud.

"With the increasing reliance on digital platforms, criminals have become more sophisticated in deceiving the public," Villar said in a statement.

"This bill aims to strengthen our response by creating a dedicated center that will ensure timely action against scammers and protect Filipinos from financial losses, which in turn negatively affects critical industries," he added.

Villar emphasized the urgency of the bill's passage, noting the growing number of Filipinos falling victim to online scams.

"This legislation is about ensuring that our laws keep pace with the evolving nature of cybercrimes. Through the PSPC, we can provide a stronger safety net for Filipinos who are now very much involved in cyberspace," he said.

Under SB 2924, the PSPC, which would serve as a one-stop shop for financial scam-related offenses, would be placed under the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).

It will be composed of agencies comprising the CICC with the Department of Trade and Industry, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, National Telecommunications Commission, National Privacy Commission, financial institutions, telecommunication companies, online marketplaces, financial technology companies, and operators of online or payment systems, among others.

The bill also proposes the establishment of regional and local centers to ensure accessibility and rapid response to cases across the country.

The center will assist victims in filing cases against individuals or entities violating the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act or Republic Act (RA) 12010 and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175).

"I have continuously worked towards enacting legislation that will arm up our cyberspace and stimulate the country's digital economy," Villar said.