The nation’s top financial regulators have recently joined forces to launch a reinvigorated nationwide campaign against escalating financial scams in a decisive move to fortify the financial resilience of every Filipino.
The Financial Sector Forum (FSF) — comprised of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Insurance Commission (IC), Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) — has officially unveiled the 2025 “Protect Your Money” (PYM) information campaign last June 17 at the BSP’s head office in Manila. These FSF members will each take on specific roles in implementing the campaign.
With the compelling tagline, “I am a smart financial consumer,” this comprehensive initiative marks a crucial intensification of efforts to empower and educate Filipinos in an increasingly complex digital financial landscape. It aims to equip citizens with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard their hard-earned money and make informed financial decisions.
Phot shows (from left) BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Insurance Commission’s Atty. Juan Paolo P. Roxas, BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier, SEC Assistant Director Paolo R. Cruz, PDIC President Roberto B. Tan and Corporate Affairs Vice President Jose G. Villaret, Jr. during the “turning of the key” ceremony of the “Protect Your Money” campaign.
The urgency behind this intensified campaign was underscored by BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who chairs the FSF’s Consumer Protection and Education Committee. “This campaign is in response to the rapidly evolving digital financial landscape,” she stated. “By strengthening awareness of our rights and responsibilities as financial consumers, we empower individuals to guard themselves against scammers and fraudsters.”
Her words highlight the proactive stance regulators are taking to combat the sophisticated tactics of illicit actors leveraging digital platforms.
Echoing this sentiment, BSP Monetary Board Member (MBM) Jose L. Querubin, representing BSP Governor and FSF Chairman Ei M. Remolona, Jr., articulated the campaign’s clear objective: “To enable Filipinos to confidently say ‘I am a smart financial consumer.’ A Filipino who knows the rights, risks, and options that are available.”
This vision speaks to a future where financial literacy is not just an aspiration but a lived reality for every citizen.
A multi-platform campaign for maximum reach
The 2025 PYM campaign is designed for unprecedented reach, leveraging a wide array of modern communication channels. Filipinos can expect to encounter essential financial insights across popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, ensuring engagement with younger, digitally-native demographics.
Beyond this, the campaign will utilize traditional yet impactful channels such as text messages, radio broadcasts, printed materials strategically placed in high-traffic areas, and even directly at ATM machines.
The content itself will be highly practical and actionable, featuring clear guides for conducting safe financial transactions, easily identifiable “red flags” to spot common financial scams, and comprehensive information on available redress options for victims. This multi-pronged approach reflects a commitment to meet Filipinos where they are, ensuring vital information is accessible and impactful.
BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier, who serves as alternate to Governor Remolona as FSF chair, expressed profound support for the renewed drive. “We are proud to support the refreshed PYM campaign — now sharper, more digital, and more relevant than ever. It unites our efforts to educate, empower, and protect every Filipino.”
Evolving with the threat: From 2013 to today
The “Protect Your Money” campaign, initially introduced in 2013, has continually evolved to address emerging fraud risks. It now incorporates key legislative tools such as the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act (FCPA) and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), providing stronger legal frameworks for consumer protection and fraud mitigation.
A significant focus remains on reaching financially underserved Filipinos, including retirees and overseas Filipinos (OFs), delivering tailored information through innovative platforms designed for their specific needs.
The launch culminated in a symbolic “turning of the key” ceremony, signifying the unified commitment of the FSF member agencies. Dignitaries present included Deputy Governors Fonacier and Romulo-Puyat, PDIC President Roberto B. Tan and Corporate Affairs Vice President Jose G. Villaret, Jr., SEC Assistant Director Paolo R. Cruz, and IC representative Atty. Juan Paolo P. Roxas.
In recorded messages, leaders from the respective agencies reinforced their dedication. SEC Chair Francis Ed. Lim pledged full support, emphasizing “our mutual resolve to create a more secure financial environment where fraud finds no safe harbor.”
PDIC President Tan, for his part, affirmed that “the first line of defense will always be a well-informed depositor or financial consumer,” highlighting the campaign’s educational core. IC Commissioner Reynaldo A. Regalado committed to safeguarding consumers through “digitally charged innovations as the country moves towards a brighter financial future for all.”
Other officials who attended the launch ceremony include MBM Romeo L. Bernardo and BSP Assistant Governor Lyn I. Javier.
The collaborative spirit and comprehensive strategy of the 2025 PYM campaign underscore the FSF’s unwavering commitment to empowering every Filipino to navigate the financial landscape confidently and securely. For more campaign details, the public is encouraged to visit the official websites of the BSP and FSF member agencies or follow the dedicated social media hashtag, #ProtectYourMoney
