The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission convened the first Anti-Scam and Illegal Taking of Investments Group (ASTIG) Partners Meeting, bringing together 35 partner agencies and stakeholders to strengthen coordination on financial literacy and the fight against fraudulent investment schemes targeting Filipino investors. The meeting focused on developing a comprehensive action plan anchored on enhanced public awareness campaigns and stronger inter-agency cooperation and enforcement activities. Participants included government and law enforcement bodies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Migrant Workers, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Philippine National Police. Stakeholders also underscored the need for a decentralized approach that empowers and equips local government units, particularly at the barangay level, to identify and prevent scams. ASTIG operates under the SEC Communication, Advocacy, and Network (SEC CAN!) Initiative and works with local government units to educate the public on investment scams through information sharing and training of enforcement agencies.
Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission 2025-05-13
Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission convenes inaugural ASTIG partners meeting to coordinate anti-scam enforcement and financial literacy efforts
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission held the inaugural Anti-Scam and Illegal Taking of Investments Group (ASTIG) Partners Meeting with 35 agencies to enhance coordination against fraudulent investment schemes. The meeting emphasized a comprehensive action plan focusing on public awareness and inter-agency cooperation, involving entities like the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Philippine National Police. ASTIG, part of the SEC Communication, Advocacy, and Network Initiative, aims to empower local governments to combat scams effectively.