Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan, chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, emphasized on Monday the need to combat concert ticket scalping and protect consumers from exploitative practices.
During the committee hearing, Pangilinan highlighted the objectives of the proposed Senate Bill No. 226, or the “Anti-Ticket Scalping Act,” which aims to prevent fraud and hold accountable those who sell concert and event tickets at exorbitant prices.
The senator urged the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to take strong action against individuals and syndicates using automated bots to bulk-buy concert tickets for resale at inflated prices.
He called on authorities to ‘set an example’ of offenders as a deterrent to future abuses.
“May digital footprints na ito. Meron kayong cybercrime division. So, ang challenge ko sa NBI, sampulan naman ninyo,” he told the NBI.
“Yung pag-purchase ng tickets online gumagamit ng mga bots. So kung considered as cybercrime yun under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, meron kayong pwedeng kasuhan. Meron nang basis to proceed with at least investigating itong bot-enabled purchases,” he stressed.
Pangilinan raised concerns over scalpers and fraudulent sellers who allegedly take advantage of fans, especially during high-demand events such as major concerts. He added that the committed goal is to protect the public and ensure fair access to tickets.
He cited recent examples, noting that fans of the international K-pop group BTS and local P-pop group SB19 scrambled for tickets months in advance, creating opportunities for scalpers and organized syndicates.
“Mahigit isang taon bago ang pagdating ng BTS at dalawang buwan bago ang concert ng SB19. Nagkakandarapa ang mga ARMY at mga A’TIN sa paghahanap ng ticket na siya namang sinasamantala ng mga scalpers, scammers, at kamadang sindikato,” he said.
”Titindig tayo upang gawing mas matibay at lagyan ng ngipin ang batas para sa consumer rights nang sa gayon ay mapigilan ang panloloko, mapanagot ang mga nananamantala at malayang ma-enjoy ng fans at consumers ang [concert ng] kanilang mga iniidolo,” Pangilinan added.
The committee also discussed proposed bills to improve the civil registry system and reforms at the Bureau of Immigration (BI), underscoring the broader importance of accurate data for government planning, budgeting, and delivery of public services.
