PAOCC: 15,000 complaints filed vs. online lending apps

Some 15,000 complaints have been filed against abusive online lending apps with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), with numerous victims reporting severe harassment and mental anguish when they struggle to repay their loans.

During a public briefing on Wednesday, PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz reported the figure as he assured that the government is intensifying its crackdown against online financial platforms that violate data privacy and human dignity.

"So far, nasa 15,000 na po ang complaints [sa PAOCC]. What we're looking at is may 156,000 na complaints every month na nare-receive po ng law enforcement agencies," Cruz said. 

(So far, there are already 15,000 formal complaints filed with the PAOCC. Law enforcement agencies are now receiving as many as 156,000 complaints each month.)

According to Cruz, victims are often low-income Filipinos who turned to online lending apps for emergency cash to pay for rent, medical bills, or tuition. Instead of receiving help, many fall into a cycle of intimidation and abuse.

"Karamihan ng mga nakakausap namin, they're being harassed whenever nagkakaroon ng singilan," he said. 

(Most of the victims we've spoken with say they are being harassed whenever they are asked to pay.)

After users agree to the loan terms, Cruz said, some apps would use personal information— including photos, contacts, and online profiles—against them.

"Sinisingil ka nila with the interest na talagang umaabot ng 35% to 40%, wala kang magawa. Papadala nila ng mga kung anu-anong pananakot sa social media mo... may mga picture na edited," Cruz said.

(They charge interest that reaches 35% to 40%, and users have no choice but to pay. They send threats on social media and even use edited pictures to shame victims.)

Cruz said the psychological toll has become alarming, forcing some to resign from their jobs while others suffer mental illnesses.

Some online lenders resort to messaging co-workers and relatives with obscene or defamatory messages, the PAOCC chief said, forcing many victims into isolation and silence.

"Ang mga office workers nila... pinadadala ng kung ano-anong malalaswang messages. Dapat tandaan natin, iba 'yung obligasyon mo na nangutang ka, iba rin 'yung kaso 'pag ikaw naman hina-harass," he added.

(Their office co-workers receive obscene messages. We must remember: owing money is one thing, but harassment is a separate issue.)

To support victims, the PAOCC has launched a one-stop shop for complainants, providing free legal advice, support through the Department of Justice (DOJ), and even assistance with transportation and meals.

Cruz urged the public to verify lenders with banks, the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), or the PAOCC before using online platforms. — VDV, GMA Integrated News