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Republic of the Philippines i" we 30 WM 205
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Y Ly

Quezon City, Metro Manila S

TWENTIETH CONGRESS INDERSE

First Regular Session
House sino, 238

Introduced by REP. RODOLFO “OMPONG” M. ORDANES:

AN ACT
PROTECTING SENIOR CITIZENS FROM VARIOUS FORMS OF FRAUD
THROUGH INFORMATION DISSEMINATION AND PROVIDING
MECHANISMS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Senior citizens are among the most vulnerable sectors of society, particularly
regarding various forms of fraud and exploitation. With their limited access to timely
information, reduced digital literacy, and, in some cases, declining physical and
mental faculties, elderly individuals are frequently targeted by unscrupulous
individuals and criminal syndicates. These scams range from identity theft and online
fraud to investment schemes, fake medical products, and unauthorized solicitations.

This bill seeks to protect senior citizens from fraud by mandating regular and
systematic information dissemination through accessible and age-appropriate
platforms. It also provides for the creation of preventive and responsive mechanisms
in coordination with concerned government agencies such as the Department of
Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), the
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and other
relevant government agencies and entities.


Through educational campaigns, the development of fraud-reporting systems, and
enhanced collaboration with local government units and community organizations,
the bill aims to equip senior citizens with the necessary tools and knowledge to
recognize and avoid fraudulent activities. It also promotes digital and financial
literacy and institutionalizes support systems to ensure timely reporting and redress
for victims.

This measure was approved on Third and Final Reading by the House of
Representatives and has been transmitted to the Senate in the 19th Congress. We
recognize and appreciate the efforts of Cong. Jaime R. Fresnedi, who was one of the
original proponents of this measure. His advocacy laid the foundation for this
important legislation's continued development and passage.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate enactment of this bill is earnestly sought.

RODOLFO “OMP' M.ORDANES:


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

38

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by REP. RODOLFO “OMPONG” M. ORDANES

AN ACT
PROTECTING SENIOR CITIZENS FROM VARIOUS FORMS OF FRAUD
THROUGH INFORMATION DISSEMINATION AND PROVIDING
MECHANISMS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Senior Citizens
Protection Against Fraud Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to care for the
elderly through just programs of social security. To this end, the State shall establish
mechanisms to educate and keep the senior citizens informed in order to protect
them from various forms of fraud using mail, telecommunications and other modern
means of communication and ensure that they are protected from the ills and evils
of modern technology.

SEC. 3. Education on Mail, Telemarketing, and Internet Fraud. —The
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall, through the local
government units, after consultation and in coordination with the different
government agencies, educate the senior citizens and their families and caregivers
on the following:

a. General information on mail, telemarketing, and internet fraud targeting
senior citizens, including descriptions of the most common fraud schemes;
and

b. Information on how and where to report fraud, and how to prevent and

avoid various forms of fraud targeting senior citizens.


SEC. 4. Information Gathering. — The DILG shall gather information for

dissemination to senior citizens from the following government agencies:

a, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) - with respect to fraud and scams related
to products and services of BSP-regulated financial institutions;

b. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Insurance Commission (IC)
- with respect to fraud and scams related to lending and investment
instruments and insurance products;

c. National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) - with respect to text

scams and subscriber identification module card fraud;

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Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) - with respect to fraud and scams
committed through mail;

¢. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - with respect to any reported
fraud such as marketing scams; and

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police (PNP),
and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) - with
respect to other fraudulent activities and cybercrimes.

SEC. 5. Role of the Department of Information and Communications

Technology (DICT). - The DICT shall provide the necessary technical assistance to
the DILG, National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the concerned
government agencies mentioned in the preceding section, particularly on the
development of a website and an online platform to facilitate coordination and
sharing of information.

The DICT shall also provide information on internet and

telecommunications fraud targeting senior citizens, including information on how to
prevent and avoid these types of fraud.

SEC. 6. Other Mechanisms. ~ The DILG shall, in coordination with the NCSC

and the DICT, formulate and establish other mechanisms to fully protect senior
citizens from any fraud. These mechanisms include:

a. Referral of complaints to the PNP or NBI; and
b. Establishment of free hotline numbers and website for purposes of

reporting mail, telemarketing, and internet fraud.


SEC. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government shall, in
coordination with the Chaiperson of the NCSC, promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in force
and effect

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, issuances,
executive orders, letters of instruction, rules or regulations, or parts thereof
inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are repealed, amended or
modified accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,