BSP logs 40K complaints relating to financial consumer protection; only 5% come from Mindanao
SINCE the effectivity of the Financial Consumer Protection Act (Republic Act 11765) in June 2022, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has logged more than 40,000 complaints from customers of different BSP-supervised financial institutions from all over the Philippines. Of this number, only around 5 percent come from Mindanao, implying the Mindanaoans' unawareness of the law......»»
Delivery drivers urge Mayor Baste for business permit exemption
Title: Delivery Drivers Seek Exemption from Business Permit Requirement A group of delivery drivers in Davao is urging Mayor Sebastian Duterte to exempt them from the mandatory business permits. The drivers, including those from various delivery apps such as Grab and FoodPanda, are concerned about the financial burden imposed by the business permits, which range from P2,000 to P6,000. They argue that this requirement is unique to Davao City among all cities and provinces in the Philippines. Grab rider Rolando Atico emphasized the need for solidarity among all delivery drivers, regardless of the app they work for. He urged fellow drivers to support each other, as the financial impact may extend beyond just Grab and FoodPanda. Atico also requested Mayor Duterte to reconsider the requirement and reinstate the previous occupational permit, which only cost P125. The group is facing a 30-day deadline to obtain the business permits, and they are citing financial constraints as a reason for their request for an extension. Failure to comply could result in their removal from the delivery platforms, jeopardizing their livelihoods. Additionally, they are advocating for changes to Davao City's Revenue Code, proposing a model similar to Cebu City, where only an occupational permit is required. The drivers are also calling for an inquiry into the lack of transparency and unilateral actions of food delivery companies, particularly concerning rider capitalization and financial concerns. They believe that a thorough investigation will help ensure fairness and equity in their financial obligations and working relationship with the delivery companies. Maribel Paguican, the Business Bureau officer-in-charge, stated that non-certified delivery riders categorized as service contractors must obtain a business permit. She mentioned two permits for occupational and business activities, with a discounted structure for delivery riders. However, concerns have been raised about increased taxes, potentially ranging from P3,000 to P6,000, along with an additional tax on top of the declared income of P1,400. The delivery drivers' plea for exemption from the business permit requirement reflects their concerns about the financial impact and the potential threat to their livelihoods. Their call for solidarity and support from fellow drivers highlights the urgency of the situation. This story sheds light on the challenges faced by delivery drivers in Davao and the implications of the business permit requirement on their financial well-being. It also underscores their efforts to seek fairness and equity in their working relationship with the authorities and delivery companies......»»
BSP to strengthen consumer protection
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is further strengthening consumer protection measures as complaints breached the 30,000 level from January to September last year......»»
40K seniors to get P1K, vitamins from city gov t
40K seniors to get P1K, vitamins from city gov t.....»»
10th ID bashes Canadian gov’t for travel advisory vs Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army criticized the Canadian government for issuing a travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which includes their area of responsibility. Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson for the 10th ID, emphasized that the regions under their jurisdiction are peaceful and free from terrorism and violent threats, contrary to the Canadian embassy's advisory. The division oversees 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities in various parts of Mindanao. Tito expressed bewilderment at the basis of the travel advisory, asserting that the Canadian government lacks awareness of the actual situation on the ground. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the entire Davao Region throughout 2023, with no recorded incidents of terrorism or insurgency. Despite the exclusion of Davao City from the advisory, Tito noted that the region would still be impacted. The Canadian embassy's advisory warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high levels of violence, and encounters between rebel forces and government security authorities. Specific provinces and regions were singled out for caution or non-essential travel, including Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Eastern Mindanao. Contrary to the advisory, the 10th ID has been actively weakening and eliminating guerilla forces within its jurisdiction as part of the Philippine Army's efforts to establish an insurgency-free zone. In fact, on October 27, 2023, the Davao Region celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free region in the Philippines. This dispute has led to other related stories, including the Chamber's intention to engage in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the travel advisory, as well as refutations from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and celebrations of the Davao Region's insurgency-free status by the Regional Peace and Order Council. In summary, the 10th ID vehemently opposes the Canadian government's travel advisory, citing the peaceful and secure nature of the regions under their jurisdiction, and highlighting the significant strides made in eradicating insurgency in the Davao Region......»»
BSP onboards 1st nonbank electronic money issuer
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) achieved a significant milestone by welcoming OmniPay, Inc. as the first nonbank electronic money issuer (EMI) participant in its Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) payment system, PhilPaSSplus. This move aligns with the National Payment Systems Act and signifies a more inclusive national payment system, allowing nonbank financial institutions to conduct efficient and low-risk funds transfers directly through the central bank. Assistant Governor Mary Anne P. Lim emphasized the BSP's commitment to safeguarding the entire Peso RTGS payment system amidst global trends of diversified participation. With 236 institutions, including various banks and nonbank entities, utilizing PhilPaSSplus for large value transactions and retail payment clearing, the BSP's initiative reflects a broader trend of central banks facilitating direct access for nonbank entities to settlement services. This development comes as international standard-setting bodies work on access guidelines to manage risks in evolving payment systems with new players and financial technologies......»»
BSP steps up consumer protection program
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is adopting a framework which will assess any business conduct or practices that may cause harm to financial consumers......»»
Filing of complaints now easier with CARe System – DTI
The DTI introduced the DTI Consumer Complaints Assistance and Resolution System (CARe System) to the general public on 13 October 2023 held at the New World Hotel Manila......»»
Consumer complaints rise in 2023 – DTI
Online transactions continued to dominate the complaints lodged by consumers at the Department of Trade and Industry last year......»»
Globe reports steep 73.7% decline in blocked bank-related spam, scam SMS in 2023
The telecommunications company Globe has reported a significant 73.7% decrease in the number of blocked spam and scam SMS related to banks in 2023. This reduction is a result of the interception of 21.9 million bank-related fraudulent messages, a sharp decline from the 83.39 million messages blocked the previous year. Globe attributes this achievement to its proactive strategies and strong partnerships with major banks and financial institutions in the Philippines. The company has established anti-fraud alliances with the Bankers Association of the Philippines and individual players in the finance sector, enabling the sharing of data and intelligence to prevent and investigate fraud effectively. Anton Bonifacio, Chief Information Security Officer at Globe, emphasized the company's commitment to combating financial fraud and enhancing security measures for customer protection. Globe has invested approximately US$20 million to improve its spam and scam SMS detection and blocking system and operates a 24/7 Security Operations Center to filter out unwanted messages from both international and domestic sources. Despite certain limitations, Globe remains dedicated to customer protection and emphasizes the need for a unified approach in the fight against fraud. The company is focused on leveraging technology and strengthening alliances with key stakeholders to combat fraudulent activities. As Globe continues to advance its technologies and collaborations, it aims to provide a safer and more secure digital environment for its customers. For more information about Globe and its initiatives, visit www.globe.com.ph. (SPONSORED CONTENT).....»»
BSP Governor Eyes Potential Rate Cut as Inflation Eases
In a recent interview, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. hinted at a potential rate cut later this year, signaling optimism amid the nation’s economic landscape. While cautious about the first semester, Remolona remains watchful, stating that the move could come “within the year.” The BSP, responding to escalating inflation, had hiked […].....»»
BSP: Digitizing microfinance services will boost financial inclusion
Digitizing microfinance institutions could promote further financial inclusion in the country as borrowers from the unserved and underserved segments of the population will be able to access a wider range of financial services......»»
With over 460 million children living in conflict, child protection systems must be strengthened, says UNODC Executive Director
In a world where "460 million children were living in contexts of conflict in 2022", child protection systems must be strengthened, said Ms. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), at a high-level conference at the European Parliament. At the Protection of Children in Armed Conflict conference in Brussels, organize.....»»
Zamboanga del Norte ramps up dengue drive as it logs most number of cases in region
Zamboanga del Norte logs 176 dengue cases from January to February 5.....»»
Philippines: More than one million children in Muslim Mindanao need protection from highly infectious measles spread
COTABATO/MANILA, 28 March 2024 - A major immunization drive in early April will reach over 1.3 million children in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following the alarming surge in measles cases with 77 per cent of the confirmed cases in the Philippines being reported from this region.From the 1st until 12th April, health workers will provide lifesaving vaccines to prot.....»»
Earthquake of magnitude 6.0 strikes Mindanao in Philippines
Mindanao [Philippines], March 8 (ANI): An earthquake of magnitude 6.0 on the Richter scale struck Mindanao in Philippines on Friday, the National Centre for Seismology said. The depth of the earthquake was measured at 140 km. According to the NCS, the tremors were felt at about 14:41:47 IST. "Earthquake of Magnitude:6.0, Occurred on 08-03-2024, 14:41:47 IST, Lat: 5.81Long: 126.90, Depth: 140 Km, Location: Mindanao, Philip.....»»
Earthquake of magnitude 6.0 strikes Mindanao in Philippines
Mindanao [Philippines], March 8 (ANI): An earthquake of magnitude 6.0 on the Richter scale struck Mindanao in Philippines on Friday, the National Centre for Seismology said. The depth of the earthquake was measured at 140 km. According to the NCS, the tremors were felt at about 14:41:47 IST. "Earthquake of Magnitude:6.0, Occurred on 08-03-2024, 14:41:47 IST, Lat: 5.81Long: 126.90, Depth: 140 Km, Location: Mindanao, Philip.....»»
BSP governor says February rate cut not likely
In statements made to the press, BSP Governor Eli Remolona said that due to the “numbers we are seeing” a rate cut “is not likely (on) February 15”, which is the next scheduled meeting date for the BSP’s Monetary Board......»»
CAR logs 96.7% employment rate, services top job generator
CAR logs 96.7% employment rate, services top job generator.....»»
AGI logs P30B net income
AGI logs P30B net income.....»»
SSI logs P2.58B net income
SSI logs P2.58B net income.....»»