Senator Mark Villar: Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act helping to curb online financial crimes

Senator Mark Villar underscored the increasing impact of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA).

He pointed to recent arrests and convictions as evidence that the law is being effectively enforced to curb online financial crimes and safeguard consumers.

“As the Principal Sponsor and Author of the AFASA Law, I am encouraged that we are now seeing real and measurable results—leading to actual arrests, stronger case build-ups, and successful convictions,” Villar said.

“Mas napapabilis ang pagresponde sa mga reklamo, at mas napapalakas ang ebidensya laban sa mga kriminal. Ito ang uri ng proteksyon na kailangan ng ating mga kababayan sa digital age,” he added.

Recent law enforcement effort demonstrate how AFASA is currently being applied on the ground, the senator noted.

Data from the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) showed that more than 90 individuals have been arrested since January for involvement in money muling activities.

These arrests include cases related to the illegal sale of ATM cards, e-wallets, and other financial accounts utilized in scams.

In February, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested 20 foreign nationals allegedly involved in social engineering schemes.

These activities, in which perpetrators impersonate others to defraud victims, are penalized under Section 4(b)(1) of the AFASA.

In April 2026, a Regional Trial Court convicted four individuals for violating Section 5(d) of the law. This ruling marks one of the first successful prosecutions under AFASA and represents a key development in its enforcement.

“Malinaw na epektibo ang AFASA sa laban kontra online scams. May pangil na ang batas—hindi na basta nakakalusot ang mga manloloko dahil mas mabilis at mas matibay na ang aksyon ng ating mga awtoridad,” Villar emphasized.

The senator has reiterated his commitment to strengthening legal safeguards against financial fraud. He also emphasized the importance of increased public vigilance online to help combat these issues.

“Hindi natin titigilan ang pagpapatibay ng ating mga batas at pagpapaigting ng kampanya laban sa cybercrime. Kasabay nito, hinihikayat natin ang publiko na maging mapanuri at maingat sa kanilang mga online na transaksyon,” he concluded.

-Paraluman News