MANILA - A legislative measure designed to enhance the protection of senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) against fraudulent electronic transactions and telecommunications scams is set to be introduced in the Lower House of the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS Party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo, the bill titled 'An Act Protecting the Integrity of the Electronic Transactions of Senior Citizens and PWDs, Defining for the Purpose the Crime of Internet and Telecommunications Phishing and Fraudulent Practices Against Senior Citizens and PWDs and Providing Penalties Therefore,' will be filed on Monday. The proposed legislation aims to define and severely penalize internet and telecommunications fraud specifically targeting these vulnerable groups.
Representative Tulfo highlighted the urgent need for such protections, citing multiple complaints received by his office about seniors and PWDs being exploited by scammers. The bill is expected to make seniors and PWDs more confident in using digital platforms for communication and transactions, providing them with a safer online environment.
The penalties proposed in the bill include imprisonment ranging from three months to six years, depending on the severity of the fraud, and a minimum fine of PHP 500,000. The legislation also makes provisions to address the unique vulnerabilities of these individuals, ensuring they are safeguarded against exploitation that could impact their financial stability.