The Consumer Lending Association of the Philippines (CLAP) recently highlighted how important the media is in helping Filipinos make smarter financial decisions. Accurate and timely information can guide borrowers to avoid unfair practices and predatory lenders.
Journalists and media organizations are key partners for borrowers. They help everyday Filipinos spot legitimate, regulated lenders from illegal ones. Recent Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) data shared in a Senate hearing showed 5,415 complaints about unfair collection practices. This proves that protecting borrowers goes beyond regulating interest rates. It also means stopping abusive behavior at its source.
CLAP is preparing to launch Debt with Dignity in 2026, a nationwide campaign encouraging consumers to report unethical collection practices and predatory lending directly to the association. CLAP is calling on the media to join the effort and help promote fair, ethical, and dignified treatment for all Filipino borrowers.
CLAP is also expanding beyond regulatory support. After the success of Decoding Deceit: A Financial Fraud Forum earlier this year, the association is planning more events and programs to prevent fraud in fintech. These initiatives will focus on verifying lender identities, improving monitoring systems, and sharing information so that CLAP members can quickly protect consumers.
Consumer education is another big focus. CLAP will partner with media outlets to release easy-to-follow guides on responsible borrowing, managing debt, and identifying legitimate online lending platforms. They’re also working on a Code of Conduct with other industry groups to help borrowers tell responsible lenders from bad actors. The goal is to give Filipinos practical, trustworthy knowledge so they can make informed financial choices and avoid predatory lenders.
CLAP remains committed to a three-part strategy: enforcement, engagement, and education. They emphasize protecting borrowers while keeping credit access fair and sustainable. Regulatory updates should allow borrowers to refinance or restructure loans if needed while keeping systems user-friendly.
“Filipinos deserve protection from abusive practices and access to fair, formal credit,” CLAP said. “With the media as a partner in consumer education, borrowers can make safe and sustainable financial choices, and efforts to stop fraud can reach the communities that need them most.”