Advocacy organization advocates immediate response to surge in digital fraud incidents
Workers, Guard Your Wallets! Philippines Ranks Second Globally in Digital Fraud
听 tot he distress call from Filipino workers, Trabaho Partylist (#106 on the ballot) is urging government agencies, financial institutions, and tech companies to gear up against the rising tide of cyber threats.
According to TransUnion's Omnichannel Fraud Report, the Philippines found itself in the second spot as the nation with the highest digital fraud rate worldwide in 2024. The country recorded a staggering digital fraud rate of 13.4%, well above the global average of 5.4%. Some of the most common digital crimes plaguing Filipino consumers are phishing, account takeovers, and identity theft.
"It's a crime that our workers, who tirelessly toil under difficult conditions, now risk losing their hard-earned income to online predators," said Trabaho Partylist spokesperson, Atty. Mitchell-David L. Espiritu.
Worse, victims of these digital attacks are often lured into working for online tasks and deceived into depositing thousands of pesos, only to discover later that they have been swindled.
A Shot in the Arm: Collaborative Solutions
To combat this digital onslaught, Trabaho Partylist advocates for joint action from the government and private sectors, specifically the financial institutions. They propose mainstream literacy programs to be rolled out through daily text blasts, free TV commercials, and community-based seminars. These initiatives aim to teach users how to distinguish phishing scams, securely use online financial platforms, and practice good password habits.
"Existing efforts to spread awareness, such as bank email advisories, are commendable," Espiritu said, "but given the escalating instances of digital fraud, something more needs to be done to safeguard our workers' hard-earned money."
Trabaho Partylist also lobbies for a congressional investigation into digital fraud to identify legislative measures that can bridge the current gaps in cybersecurity awareness and protection.
Team Aksyon at Malasakit Stands with Trabaho Partylist
In the days leading up to the elections, Caloocan First District Representative Oscar "Oca" Malapitan gave Trabaho Partylist his seal of approval, endorsing them as the newest member of Team Aksyon at Malasakit. The incumbent representative remains hopeful that a win for the Trabaho Partylist would mean another House of Representatives serving the people of Caloocan.
"For Partylist, let's support Trabaho Partylist!" Malapitan called out to his constituents.
Trabaho Partylist nominee, Atty. Johanne Bautista, expressed her profound gratitude for the support and endorsement from Team Aksyon at Malasakit. She vowed that Trabaho Partylist would work hand in hand with Team Aksyon at Malasakit to improve public service in Caloocan, focusing on expanding access to quality and sustainable jobs and livelihood opportunities.
Bautista would also champion the cause of inclusivity, ensuring that the needs of women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are met.
Defending Freedom of the Press and the People's Right to Voice
Amidst the election season, Trabaho Partylist has shown its commitment to defending the freedom of the press and the people's right to ask, speak, and educate themselves.
In summary, the rising digital fraud rate in the Philippines necessitates immediate and coordinated action from government agencies, financial institutions, and tech companies. Implementing enhanced digital literacy programs, strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure, enacting legislative reforms, and fostering collaboration between all parties involved are essential in safeguarding our hard-earned money and securing our online spaces.
- Trabaho Partylist, position #106 in the elections, urges the government and private sectors, including financial institutions, to collaborate in fighting increasing cyber threats to combat the rising digital fraud rate in the Philippines.
- Despite commendable efforts to spread awareness, the escalating instances of digital fraud have led Trabaho Partylist to advocate for congressional investigation, identifying legislative measures to bridge cyberspace security gaps.
- Team Aksyon at Malasakit has endorsed Trabaho Partylist, aiming to secure another House of Representatives serving the people of Caloocan, with a focus on job creation, inclusivity, and improved public service.
- In the face of the election season, Trabaho Partylist showcases its commitment to defending freedom of the press and the people's right to voice, education, and self-development.
- Amid the general news discussion about crime and justice, the focus shifts to the crime-and-justice aspect, as Filipino workers face digital threats such as phishing, account takeovers, and identity theft, highlighting the importance of education and collaborative action in enhancing cybersecurity.
