Manila: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is ramping up efforts to protect Filipinos from online scams, fake news, and cybercrime by enhancing its hotline 1326, the government's dedicated digital complaints channel.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a Bagong Pilipinas interview aired over People's Television Network, Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso announced that the DICT is expanding the hotline's capacity to handle more reports and provide a faster feedback mechanism and clearer assistance to Filipinos nationwide. Paraiso emphasized the importance of strengthening the hotline to ensure a robust response and feedback mechanism.
Paraiso acknowledged the hesitation among people to report scams due to embarrassment or distrust in the government. He assured that the DICT is committed to proving that once a report is made, the department will actively follow up on the status and progress of the case, aiming for attribution, apprehension, prosecution, and ultimately, conviction of perpetrators.
Hotline 1326 serves as the first line of defense for citizens encountering scams, phishing attempts, or fake social media posts. Beyond receiving calls, DICT is integrating the hotline with the digital eGov application and eReport system, enabling Filipinos to report via phone, online forms, or messaging apps, all linked to a centralized database for swift government action.
Paraiso stressed the goal of providing a seamless, multi-channel reporting system that empowers every Filipino to combat scams and misinformation. The DICT is also partnering with the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to prevent the proliferation of fake news through fact-checking initiatives.
Paraiso highlighted the importance of the partnership between DICT Secretary Henry Aguda and PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz. He explained that while it may not be appropriate for the government itself to conduct fact-checking, there should be a system of oversight where the government acts as the fact-checkers of the fact-checkers. The PCO will identify fake news, and the DICT will take action through the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center to hold perpetrators accountable.
