PASAY CITY—The Philippine Senate is taking a decisive stand against predatory lending tactics with the formal sponsorship of Senate Bill No. 1744 otherwise known as the “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act”.

Introduced during the plenary session on February 10, 2026, this landmark legislation aims to strip debt collectors of their "scare tactics" by strictly prohibiting harassment, threats, and deceptive misrepresentations. 

In his sponsorship speech, Senator Joel Villanueva took the plenary to introduce a bill that stands with the people who were victimized by grave debt collection practices.

“This representation rises to sponsor a measure that addresses one of the most silent yet devastating forms of abuse suffered by many of our people—unfair,  abusive, and predatory collection practices particularly those committed by certain lending companies.” The sponsor said.

By establishing a clear regulatory framework, the bill ensures that while financial obligations must be met, the dignity and privacy of every Filipino borrower remain protected from the psychological toll of aggressive collection practices.

“Ang utang ay obligasyon pero hindi po ito kasalanan at lalong hindi ito dahilan upang yurakan ang pagkatao ng iba.” The senator added in the continuation of his speech. 

“Debt is not an obligation, but it is not a sin and it is certainly not a reason to trample on the dignity of others.” The senator added in the continuation of his speech. 

Legislators emphasized that the measure is not an "escape clause" for debts, but a necessary balance to level the playing field between powerful creditors and ordinary citizens. 

The bill introduces stronger safeguards that prevent collectors from using unfair treatment to coerce payments, forcing agencies to operate within ethical boundaries. 

As the measure moves forward, the Senate reinforces a crucial message: financial accountability should never come at the cost of a citizen’s fundamental human rights.

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