Globe and GoTyme Bank have entered into a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) to support fraud investigations and protect consumers and businesses from rising cases of financial crimes.

The Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) of both organizations: Anton Bonifacio for Globe and Albert Dela Cruz for GoTyme signed the DSA. Atty. Irish Krystle Salandanan-Almeida and Atty. Mimi Tan, GoTyme Bank’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, served as witnesses.

Under the DSA, Globe and GoTyme may share with digital bank GoTyme information about mobile numbers potentially used by fraudsters, including names, addresses, and contact details.

Without the agreement, a law enforcement agency or court would need to issue a warrant or subpoena to obtain information about a suspected scammer, a process that could take months.

Similarly, GoTyme may share necessary information with each other to support investigations, in compliance with the Data Privacy Act and the terms of the Data Sharing Agreement.

This move follows the guidance of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the National Privacy Commission, urging collaboration among financial institutions, companies, and telecom entities in fraud investigations.

It further solidifies the telco leader’s commitment to cybersecurity and ongoing efforts to combat spam, phishing, identity theft, and other online criminal activities.

By sharing critical information, Globe and GoTyme seek to improve their ability to prevent fraud, investigate incidents more efficiently, and implement proactive measures to stop scams before they impact customers.

“This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to championing cybersecurity and protecting our customers from the growing threats in the digital world. Through collaborations, we can combine our expertise and resources to better safeguard the financial sector and our customers from cybercrime,” said Atty. Irish Salandanan-Almeida, Globe’s Chief Privacy Officer.

“We, at GoTyme Bank, provide not just a simple and beautiful banking experience but also secure and safe service. This DSA with Globe augments the bank’s cybersecurity systems and measures to protect customers from cyber criminals and fraudsters,” said Dela Cruz.

Globe and GoTyme are also working with financial institutions, payment gateway providers, third-party service providers, and law enforcement agencies to share relevant information and conduct fraud investigations in compliance with existing laws and regulations.

The DSA is part of Globe’s initiatives to encourage collaboration with major commercial banks, digital banks, and online retail.ers. Globe earlier forged partnerships with the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) and other BAP member banks to institute a direct, round-the-clock communication exchange for quick and efficient reporting and handling of spam and fraud.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) is revising the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 to enhance efforts against bullying in schools nationwide.

In a statement on Friday (07 Feb 2025), DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the law has not been fully enforced across all public schools.

“It’s been over a decade since we helped craft this law in the Senate, and I’ve noticed that not all schools have adopted an anti-bullying policy,” Angara said.

The DepEd plans to collaborate with the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) to complete the IRR revisions by the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.

The revision aims to improve the monitoring of bullying incidents, ensure full compliance with the law, and strengthen the Learner Rights and Protection Office, which was established in 2022 to provide a platform for reporting bullying and violence. Angara also mentioned increasing the number of guidance counselors to better support students affected by bullying.

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MANILA – In a significant legislative move, the Senate passed seven major bills on Monday (27 Jan 2025) aimed at bolstering governance, national security, the economy, agriculture, and environmental conservation. The bills received strong bipartisan support, demonstrating a unified approach to addressing some of the nation’s most pressing challenges.

Among the approved measures was Senate Bill No. 2781, also known as the E-Governance Act, which aims to streamline government services through digital platforms. This bill ensures that essential public services can continue even during disruptions, ensuring greater accessibility and trust in government processes. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who sponsored the bill, stressed its role in building a more inclusive, digital-first government.

“Digital governance will enable continuous service delivery even during emergencies. It is about making services more accessible to all Filipinos, including those with disabilities,” said Gatchalian.

Another landmark measure was Senate Bill No. 2865, the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act, which seeks to democratize access to capital markets, offering new investment opportunities for ordinary Filipinos and stimulating economic growth.

“This bill will make the capital markets more inclusive and fairer, not just for individual investors, but for the entire nation,” Gatchalian added.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill No. 2900, which establishes a Special Defense Economic Zone in Limay, Bataan. This measure aims to attract investments in the local defense industry, advancing the nation’s self-reliance in defense capabilities. Senate President Miguel Zubiri voiced support for the bill, calling it essential for strengthening the country’s defense posture.

“This zone will foster a self-reliant defense industry, empowering Filipinos to manufacture our own armaments,” Zubiri said.

Additionally, the Senate approved Senate Bill No. 2814, providing free legal assistance to military and uniformed personnel involved in legal matters related to their official duties. Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, who authored the bill, highlighted the risks faced by security forces in the line of duty and the necessity for legal support.

“This bill ensures that our men and women in uniform, who risk their lives to protect the country, have access to legal assistance when needed,” Estrada stated.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill No. 2895, proposing amendments to the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, to strengthen gun ownership regulations and promote public safety. Senator Ronald Dela Rosa emphasized the need for responsible gun ownership to enhance national security.

“We need stricter regulations and increased compliance to ensure a safer and more secure Philippines,” Dela Rosa explained.

In a move to support the media, House Bill No. 6505 was approved, granting a fresh franchise to state-run IBC-13. Senator Raffy Tulfo praised the approval, noting that it would revitalize the network and provide job opportunities for Filipinos.

“This renewal is a chance to strengthen IBC-13’s role in combatting fake news while promoting Filipino culture and values,” Tulfo said.

Also approved was Senate Bill No. 2906, the Philippine Agriculturists Act, which provides professional recognition and better career opportunities for agriculturists. Senate leaders, including Zubiri, welcomed the bill as long overdue for those who play a vital role in the nation’s food security and rural development.

“This bill ensures that our agriculturists receive the recognition and compensation they deserve,” Zubiri remarked.

The Senate also approved a series of bills, including House Bill No. 8839, which grants Philippine citizenship to Li Duan Wang. However, the bill sparked controversy, with Senator Risa Hontiveros casting the only dissenting vote due to concerns about Wang’s alleged ties to questionable activities.

Hontiveros explained, “While I’m not declaring Wang guilty, the red flags surrounding his background make it unwise to grant citizenship without further scrutiny.”

Other approved measures include Senate Bill No. 1536, which seeks to expand the buffer zone of the Las Piñas – Parañaque Wetland Park, as part of the country’s commitment to environmental conservation and disaster resilience.

The Senate also approved various bills related to the establishment and renaming of schools across the country to improve access to education, ensuring better opportunities for students in different regions.

This productive session marks a significant step forward in addressing critical national issues through thoughtful and effective legislation.

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