Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday slammed the reported hacking of teachers’ bank accounts by still unidentified “unscrupulous individuals” whom he said are concocting all kinds of methods to steal money via online and other digital means.

Earlier in the day, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition reported that some teachers lost at least P26,000 to P121,000 each after their LandBank payroll accounts were allegedly hacked and their money were “stolen” via unauthorized fund transfers to other banks or electronic wallets.

But Landbank, in a statement, maintained that their systems are safe and secure and claimed that the device of the teachers and their personal information were compromised by way of phishing.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, said Landbank and e-wallet operator GCash should cooperate and waste no time in working closely with the authorities to immediately identify and apprehend those behind the nefarious activity.

“This spate of bank account hacking is alarming and these unscrupulous individuals seem to be devising all fraudulent methods possible to raid the money from the victims’ accounts. But what’s even more disturbing in this latest hacking report is the fact that those victimized are holders of accounts in a government financial institution,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

“Hindi natitinag ang mga kawatan sa kanilang mga gawain sa gitna ng pinaigting na mga hakbang ng mga kinauukulan laban sa ganitong mga krimen (These thieves do not hesitate to do such illegal activity despite moves to strengthen mechanisms to fight cybercrimes),” he lamented.

While the government continues to remind the public to be careful and vigilant whenever making transactions through online platforms, Gatchalian said it is imperative for banks and digital payment platforms to strengthen their own cybersecurity measures.

“I urge the Landbank and GCash to undertake remedial measures the soonest time possible, including the reimbursement of the money lost by the affected clients,” the lawmaker said.

“We, in the Senate, are working double time to pass the proposed Internet Transactions Act and Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act before Congress’ adjournment to establish stronger consumer-centric policies and standards and empower regulators to enable them to take necessary actions,” Gatchalian assured.