Senator Win Gatchalian vowed to hold abusive online lending companies liable under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, one of his priority measures for the 20th Congress, which was filed today.

“Hindi makatao ang paniningil nang may pananakot at pang-aabuso, lalo na sa mga mahihirap nating kababayan na kapit sa patalim kaya nangungutang,” Gatchalian said.

He cited the case of a constituent from Valenzuela City who took his own life due to constant harassment and threats directed at him and his family by an online lending app (OLA).

“Isang click lang sa app, pwede ka nang magkapera,” Gatchalian pointed out, adding that while debt collection is a right, it should never lead to abuse or worse, loss of life.

The proposed Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prohibits debt collectors from engaging in any conduct that harasses, oppresses, or abuses debtors during collection. The bill specifically prohibits the use of threats of violence, obscene or profane language, and the public disclosure of borrowers’ names, among other practices.

Under the measure, all violators will face administrative penalties, including fines of up to P60,000.