Philippines Strengthens Fight Against Scams & Deepfakes

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) of the Philippines, joined forces with the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on March 19, 2025, signing a groundbreaking agreement to tackle the growing menace of online scams and deepfakes. This partnership introduces the eGovPH apps e-Report feature, a game-changer for Filipinos across the Philippines, especially in the capital, to report fraudulent schemes and manipulated content plaguing what officials term “bastardized” social media.

The deal, forged in Manila, Philippines, prioritizes scam and deepfake reporting, encouraging residents to leverage the eGovPH app to flag suspicious online activity. It also designates Hotline 1326 as the Philippines‘ national anti-scam lifeline, linking citizens with authorities like the Trade Department and the Commission on Elections to investigate dubious links. The initiative doesn’t stop there—its rallying schools, institutions, and fact-checkers nationwide, with a strong foothold in Manila, to educate the public about scams, deepfakes, and disinformation. The app will also serve as a trusted source for government updates, keeping Filipinos informed.

Alexander Ramos, CICC‘s executive director, emphasized the stakes from his Manila office: “We’re empowering communities in the Philippines to protect our elections and counter false narratives.” A star player in this effort is a P2 million deepfake detection tool, acquired from Ensign Info Security at a Singapore expo. Capable of spotting fakes in 30 seconds, its already backed by 500 licenses, with Ramos pushing for more. “Manila and beyond deserve access to this tech,” he insisted.

The agreement also spawns a National Deepfake Task Force, led by the PCO from Manila, Philippines, with support from the CICC, the Information and Communications Technology Department, and the National Bureau of Investigation. This powerhouse team aims to fortify the Philippines‘ digital defenses, starting in the capital. For Manila’s residents and Filipinos nationwide, it‘s a rallying cry—grab the eGovPH app, dial Hotline 1326, and take a stand against the scams and deepfakes threatening the Philippines’ online integrity.