A BILL aimed at protecting senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) from scams by certain individuals and syndicates will be filed by ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo, along with ACT-CIS Reps. Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, and Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo, before Congress this Monday.

According to Cong. Tulfo, “Ilang reklamo na kasi ang natatanggap ng aking tanggapan ukol dito sa panggogoyo sa mga senior citizens ng ilang walang pusong indibidwal.”.

“Sa kanilang pension o konting ipon lang umaasa ang mga senior tapos gagatasan o nanakawin pa ng mga manggagantso,” said Tulfo.

He added, “Sinama na rin namin yung mga PWD na kapag ginoyo mo ay kulong ang aabutin mo.”.

“Kahit piso pa yan, makukulong ka pag-iniscam mo yung kaawa-awang senior o PWD, dahil wala kang puso,” Tulfo added.

The proposed penalties include imprisonment ranging from three months to six years or more, depending on the amount taken from the senior or PWD, especially if their savings or pensions are exhausted due to the scam by individuals or syndicates.

Tulfo, who is also the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, noted, “Masyado kasing bulnerable ang mga senior citizen at mga may kapansanan sa mga panloloko ng ilan dahil na rin sa kahinaan dala ng kanilang edad o kapansanan.”.

“We need to protect our elders and PWDs sa panahon ngayong usong-uso ang mga scam,” the legislator stated.

Under the proposed bill, entitled “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,” it aims to provide robust protection for senior citizens and PWDs by clearly defining and penalizing internet and telecommunications fraud targeting them.

“By imposing stringent penalties, the bill seeks to deter potential offenders and underscore the seriousness of these crimes. The implementation of this bill would not only safeguard the financial assets of senior citizens and PWDs but also restore their confidence in using digital platforms for communication and transactions,” the proposed bill said.

Any person found guilty of committing the act of phishing, internet fraud, or telecommunications fraud where the offended party is a senior citizen or PWD at the time of the commission shall be punished by imprisonment of three years and one day to six years and a fine of at least P500,000 as determined by the regular courts, or the amount equivalent to the total damage incurred to the offended party, whichever is higher.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ryan Ponce Pacpaco