Scam Prevention Education Act

Stinte sir Office of the eventary REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES PETE C THE FULFILE S First Regular Session JAN 27 P2:05 SENATE RECEIVED BY S. No. 1707 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT INCORPORATING SCAM PREVENTION EDUCATION IN THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULA, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Cybercrime is one of the most significant threats facing the Filipino people today. As more individuals engage with online platforms, fraudsters have adapted their methods to target a larger audience. According to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), there were 4,469 reported cybercrimes from January to March 2024, representing a 21.84 percent increase from the 3,668 incidents reported in the fourth quarter of 2023. In response to these rising numbers of scams, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) has been enacted to address the growing issue of cybercrime and financial account fraud. This legislation demonstrates the Philippine government's proactive efforts to protect the financial system and safeguard individuals from increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals. Additionally, to strengthen its proactive approach, this bill aims to protect youth from fraud by incorporating scam prevention education into the senior high school curriculum. While fraudsters typically target adults, young people are also highly vulnerable to such schemes. This measure seeks to educate the younger generation about current and potential fraudulent practices, equipping them with the critical thinking skills necessary to recognize and protect themselves from exploitative scammers.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. MARK A. VILLAR peDe

• .. Senate Office of the scurtary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session 26 JAN 27 P2:05 SENATE RECEIVED B: S. No. 1707 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT INCORPORATING SCAM PREVENTION EDUCATION IN THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULA, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Scam Prevention

2 Education Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is declared a policy of the State to serve and

protect the people, and to recognize the vital role of communication and information in nation building. Towards this end, this measure aims to protect the youth and/or students 7 against fraud by educating them of existing and possible fraudulent schemes and 8 develop their critical thinking skills..

Sec. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all senior high school graduating

students for both public and private school.

Sec. 4. Scam Prevention Education. - The Department of Education (DepEd), in

consultation with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and other concerned government agencies, shall develop and implement a comprehensive Scam Prevention Education Program, which shall be made part of the Senior High School curriculum in both public and private schools.

Sec. 5. Appropriation. - The amount necessary for the effective implementation

of this Act shall be charged against the appropriation of DepEd, under the current

Sec. 5. Appropriation. - The amount necessary for the effective implementation

2 of this Act shall be charged against the appropriation of DepEd, under the current 3 General Appropriations Act. Such amount as may be necessary for its continued 4 implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd, in coordination with

the other pertinent government agencies, shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.

Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provisions of this Act that may be

declared unconstitutional or invalid and shall not have the effect of nullifying other 10 portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining portions or provisions can still subsist and be given effect in their entirety.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,

memoranda, circulars, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspaper of general circulation. Approved,