While acknowledging the positive potential of a “truly digital Philippines,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged Filipinos to exercise more vigilance against fraudulent schemes and scams amid the fast-expanding use of digital technology.

“We must also recognize that progress comes with challenges. Any powerful tool cuts both ways. In this digital age, we must become more vigilant against the risks that come with it,” President Marcos said during the opening of the Manila Tech Summit 2025 at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

“Fraudulent schemes and scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated every day with the aid of artificial intelligence, with digital currencies, and syndicates that know no frontiers,” the President said.

The Chief Executive also mentioned that while artificial intelligence (AI) offers breakthroughs, it brings threats of job displacement and loss of privacy.

“This is why we must also strengthen our defenses, manage risks, and block malicious attempts before they harm our people,” stressed President Marcos.

Measures taken against digital scams include the implementation of the Anti-Financial Account Summary Scamming Act; the creation of an e-commerce Bureau as a one-stop shop for complaints and compliance under the Internet Transactions Act; and the implementation of the Subscriber Identity Module Registration Act to protect consumers in the digital marketplace from fraud and unsafe transactions.

President Marcos also cited initiatives to reskill and upskill more Filipinos for jobs in AI, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and creative design.

The President said that the government is looking into the growing problem of online gambling which preys on people’s vulnerabilities.

“We are addressing this through initial measures, such as suspending the in-app gambling access in mobile payment apps and websites. This way, we can help protect our citizens and preserve the integrity of our financial system,” said President Marcos.

Now in its fifth year, the Manila Tech Summit 2025 carries the theme, “Forging a New Global Order: Risks and Opportunities Redefined.”

More than 1,300 delegates from over 300 organizations are participating in the summit that will run from August 26 to 27.

The event was organized by FinTech Alliance.PH, the country’s largest digital industry association representing over 130 companies that drive more than 95 percent of digital retail transactions.