Mr. President, distinguished colleagues,
This representation wishes to co-sponsor Senate Bill No. 1744 under Committee Report No. 26 or the proposed Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Due process is paramount in the Bill of Rights under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, as contained in Article III, Sections 1 and 14. Further, consumer rights are protected under several laws passed by Congress, as well as several issuances by government regulators.
Financing and lending companies provide consumers an important tool in extending credit facilities.
Naglipana rin ngayon ang iba’t ibang klase ng online lending apps sa ating bansa.
Apart from banks and traditional non-bank financial institutions, these mobile apps—or fintech platforms—provide a lifeline for “unbanked” Filipinos with just the click of the mobile phone.
But for several years, it is quite appalling that unfair collection practices are still being perpetuated by collection agents.
In fact, social media is awash with horror stories of how creditors and collection agencies employ dirty tactics against consumers with delinquent accounts to compel them to pay —resorting to harassment, threats, and other notorious practices bordering on criminal acts.
Nariyan ang text messages at tawag na minumura ang nanghiram ng pera; nariyan din ang may magpupunta sa bahay at tatakutin ang nag-loan na kukunin ang mga gamit nito sa bahay kapalit ng inutang na pera; at mayroon ding pagkakataon na sinasabi sa nag-loan na diumano ay may kasong inihain na sa korte at may “court order” na laban sa nag-loan.
Mayroon ding pinupuntahan ng collection agents ang barangay kung saan nakatira ang nag-loan at ipinapahiya ito; at ang pinaka-masaklap—ang pagtawag ng collection agent sa employer ng borrower para pahiyain ito, pati na rin sa mga kakilala ng borrower na wala namang kinalaman sa transaksyon.
These practices are highly deplorable and these must be stopped.
It is time for the Senate to step up and protect our consumers against these unfair practices.
Thank you, Mr. President.
