Press Release
December 13, 2007

REVILLA WARNS AGAINST TEXTPRIZE SCAM
SYNDICATE USING SENATE TO LURE VICTIMS

Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. cautions the public against the new modus operandi this Christmas season of a con syndicate that uses the Senate as bait to lure victims in their text scam.

"It is very unfortunate that some people mock the sanctity of the Christmas season and the integrity of the Senate as an institution just to make money out of innocent cellphone users. In these hard times we can not blame the public to grab any opportunity just to earn money but they must be prudent when it comes to easy-money offers such as these," Revilla said.

This is the appeal of the senator after receiving reports from Office of the Senate Sergeant-At-Arms (OSAA) personnel that several persons have been going to the Senate to claim their prize from a text raffle draw.

Based on the reports, the "winners" were informed through a text message that they had won P800, 000 from an electronic raffle draw where their cellphone number were chosen as the winning number. The text message also stated a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) permit number for the draw organized by Philippine Charity Foundation.

The text recipients were advised to call a certain Atty. Rey Osmeña so they can claim their prizes in Room 506 or Room 508 at the fifth floor of the Senate. The Office of Senator Revilla occupies Room 506 while Room 508 belongs to the Office of Senator Richard Gordon.

According to Romeo Baal Jr., a 27 year-old security guard and a resident of Bulacan, he received the text message last December 10 and he called Osmeña on December 11 to claim his prize. He was directed to go the Senate but instructed to call Osmeña first before proceeding to his supposed office at the fifth floor.

Baal went yesterday to the Senate and as instructed, from the Senate grounds he called Osmeña who reminded him not to proceed inside the building and just wait for somebody who will give him the prize check. But before their conversation ended, Osmeña ordered him to buy two cellphone loadcards and to call again for further instructions. This roused Baal so he proceeded to the Senate lobby to verify if there really was an Atty. Osmeña working in the Senate. He learned then that it was just a bogus name and there were already two others who also went to the Senate to claim their supposed prize money.

Revilla advised the public to exercise caution when receiving text communications from unknown senders even if the messages mention a name of a foundation, credible personalities and government institutions.

"It is so easy to name drop a government official or a government institution just to have credibility. First, the public should remember that you can not win in any contest if you do not join. That's the common procedure. " he pointed out.

The lawmaker said he will request the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) to block the cellphone number used in the scam and look for possible legislative measures that can be pushed to prevent similar practices.

"Nowadays, you can buy a simcard at a cheap price. It's certain that the syndicates will just throw their simcards away after victimizing so many people. Mandatory registration of simcards might help curb this racket," Revilla explained.

The OSAA promised to ask the Office of Senate Secretary to issue an advisory regarding the scheme.

"The integrity of the Senate is at stake here. For some people, ignoring these text scams is the best solution. How about those who easily believe in the text messages? They will spend time and transportation fare on assumption that they will return home with money after claiming the prize at the Senate. It's better that we make a formal advisory so more people will be aware," Revilla stressed.

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