Senator Win Gatchalian said that advancing consumer protection in the digital space is a breakthrough achieved during the 19th Congress, citing the enactment of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) and the Internet Transactions Act (ITA).

“Magkakaroon na ng malakas na kumpiyansa ang ating mga kababayan sa mga transaksyong pampinansyal sa digital space. While AFASA targets financial cyber crimes like money mulling and social engineering schemes, the ITA ensures consumer protection in e-commerce and online transactions,” he emphasized.

Gatchalian expressed hope that the enactment of both measures would help improve the country’s standing in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, which assesses a country’s ability to adopt and leverage digital technologies to transform government functions, business practices, and society at large.

Gatchalian also backed during the 19th Congress the approval of the proposed E-Governance Act, which seeks to streamline government processes and promote transparency in government transactions. Another measure which was ratified by the Senate and awaiting approval from the President is the Konektadong Pinoy Act. It aims to promote competition with the goal of improving digital connectivity and access.