On September 14, 2022, The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued Memorandum Order No. 006-09-2022 which directs the representatives of mobile phone manufacturers, distributors and dealers to implement the following measures to inform the public of protective mobile phone features that can protect users from text scams. These protective mobile phone features through various means, such as, but not limited to:

1. Provide directions to their mobile phone users on how to block texts from mobile numbers not in their contact lists and how to create a spam folder in their inboxes. These directions shall be disseminated through the manufacturer’s websites and social media accounts (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, etc.);
2. Put up posters in their physical stores to educate their mobile phone buyers on how to use, enable or activate the text blocking, spam folder and other similar features in their phones; and

     3. Include in each new mobile phone package an insert or leaflet containing directions on how to use,  enable or activate the text blocking, spam folder and other similar features in their phones

The measures above shall take effect within fifteen (15) days from the issuance of this Memorandum Order and become part of the mandatory Type Approval process for NTC applications

Memorandum Order