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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senator Mark Villar pushes for PH Scam Prevention Center to combat rising digital fraud

Senator Mark Villar pushes for PH Scam Prevention Center to combat rising digital fraud

Published Jul 8, 2025 03:07 pm
Senator Mark Villar is ramping up the fight against online scammers by proposing the establishment of the Philippine Scam Prevention Center (PSPC), one of his top 10 legislative priorities in the 20th Congress.
The proposed PSPC aims to become the nation’s first centralized hub dedicated to addressing scam-related complaints, concerns, and inquiries. This “one-stop shop” will serve as the primary government body tasked with coordinating enforcement efforts against digital fraud and financial scams.
“Ngayong panahon po na halos lahat ay digital na, nakikita rin natin na patuloy ang paglikha ng mga scammers ng mga makabagong paraan sa panlilinlang nila sa mga tao,” Senator Villar remarked, emphasizing the increasing sophistication of online fraud tactics amid the country’s rapid digitalization.
Building on his successes in the 19th Congress with the passage of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), Villar hopes to take anti-scam measures further. The PSPC would operate under the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and work closely with key institutions such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), National Privacy Commission (NPC), banks, telcos, online marketplaces, fintech companies, and other digital platforms.
“This bill is part of our continuing commitment to protect Filipinos from financial losses due to scams. The PSPC will ensure that our people have access to rapid, coordinated support when they fall victim to digital fraud,” Villar said.
Beyond Metro Manila, the PSPC is envisioned to have regional and local branches to ensure nationwide reach and efficiency in handling cases. It will also assist victims in pursuing legal action under RA 12010 (AFASA) and RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
Villar reiterated his goal of fostering a safe, dynamic digital economy. “By establishing an integrated center that will cater to every Filipino victimized by scammers and hackers, the PSPC bill will bolster our goal of building our digital economy while protecting our kababayans’ hard-earned money and savings.”
The senator expressed hope that the bill would be passed during the 20th Congress, underscoring the urgency of safeguarding the public from the growing threat of online scams.
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