Globe fully supports the call for a Senate investigation into the illegal trade of devices used for spoofing or SMS hijacking, a fraud scheme behind the proliferation of scam texts that evade telco networks.
Sen. Mark Villar recently filed a resolution seeking a senate inquiry on the trade of International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers, which allow fraudsters to send out malicious SMS in the guise of legitimate sender IDs. These portable devices serve as fake cell towers that enable SMS sending outside telco networks, thus evading spam filters.
Globe has been working with government agencies to curb spoofing by cutting off the supply of IMSI catchers in the country. These devices are imported into the country either in full or in parts for assembly, then used for illegal activities.
“Spoofing or SMS hijacking using IMSI catchers has been a major headache for both the industry and law enforcement. Spoofed messages are difficult to track because of the technology. We have high hopes that through this Senate probe, we’d be able to address the root of the problem: the illegal trade of IMSI catchers in the country,” said Atty. Froilan Castelo, Globe’s General Counsel.
“This is a major step in our shared goal of protecting the public from fraud. Through this legislative inquiry, we hope to find a clear path forward in the fight against IMSI catchers,” said Castelo.
Globe stands ready to provide technical expertise and support to the Senate panel as needed.
Fraudsters have used IMSI catchers to impersonate Globe’s official sender ID, duping customers with fake Globe Rewards claims and other unauthorized messages. Such spoofed messages have seen a rise as Globe enforced stricter spam and scam blocking, filtering out all person-to-person SMS with links and enforcing stringent regulations on app-to-person SMS with URLs.
Globe’s pioneering move to remove links in SMS messages shows the company will go the extra mile to make it a scam-free network and protect customers. Unfortunately the new method of scammers such as using IMSI catchers goes directly to the device and does not pass through the network anymore. Currently, Globe is looking at more advanced technologies that might help address this issue.
Globe reminds the public to stay vigilant against suspicious text messages, including those that seem to come from legitimate sources. Be cautious of links and offers that seem too good to be true. As a security measure and to protect customers, Globe does not include clickable links in its official text advisories.
Customers who receive scam SMS are encouraged to report them through Globe’s #StopSpam portal.
For more information on Globe’s initiatives against fraud, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.
SENATOR Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is lending his support to fellow lawmakers in their efforts to pass a law mandating that private universities and colleges waive entrance examination fees for underprivileged graduating high school students and those ranking in the top 10 percent of their graduating class.
Estrada emphasized the growing number of high school graduates in the country, as highlighted by the 2020 census conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), marking a significant step forward in improving access to secondary education in the nation.
“The increasing number of high school graduates deserves the government’s support by ensuring their continued education at the college level. One way to achieve this is through the enactment of the ‘Free College Entrance Examinations Act,'” Estrada stated, referring to Senate Bill 2441, a bill he co-authored and co-sponsored.
According to the 2020 PSA census, more than 21% of Filipinos have, at most, a high school diploma, surpassing the 19% recorded in 2010 and 13.5% in 2000.
“The exemption from entrance exam fees proposed in this legislation is a significant step for our students, especially those who desire courses in private schools or for those whose nearest educational institutions are private,” Estrada expressed during his co-sponsorship speech.
The proposed legislation promises benefits for both students and educational institutions, as pointed out by the experienced legislator.
By expanding students’ choices for colleges and universities, it also provides private higher education institutions (PHEIs) with the opportunity to admit high-achieving students who can enhance their reputation and performance, Estrada underscored.
According to the bill’s provisions, eligible students must come from families living below the poverty line or classified as the poorest of the poor, as determined by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). They must also belong to the top 10 percent of their graduating class.
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Image Courtesy of: House of Representatives of the Philippines (Facebook Page)
By: Junex Doronio
SAYING the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. strongly supports the Free College Education law, House appropriations panel senior vice chairperson Stella Quimbo of Marikina City on Tuesday gave assurance of sufficient funds for the significant law enacted during the previous Duterte administration.
“We will make sure that we will have sufficient funds to support that law. That is very important for our youth…for them to have access to free college education. It is very important for their future,” Quimbo said.
She answered the query of House Deputy Minority Leader Paul Daza of Northern Samar during Tuesday’s deliberations on the proposed P5.768 trillion budget for 2024.
Quimbo has sponsored the proposed P5.768 trillion budget for 2024 before the House plenary.
On Monday, September 18, Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, president of the Philippine Association of SUCs (PASUC), expressed dismay that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) only approved P21.69 billion.
But Quimbo stood firm that the PBBM administration has “strong commitment from the DBCC (Development Budget Coordination Committee) that it will support free education.” (ai/mnm)