MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has urged the public to stop using its Commuter Hotline for loan and lending app concerns, stressing that the line is strictly for transport-related complaints and inquiries.
In an advisory issued Thursday, the agency clarified that its official hotline number (0920-964-3687) is reserved for urgent commuter issues. It warned that misuse of the hotline may result in civil, criminal, or administrative liability under existing laws.
“The Department has not authorized any individual, lending application, or entity to use its official contact numbers for loan-related or other commercial purposes,” the DOTr said.
The advisory follows reports that some lending apps require borrowers to list trusted contacts, which collection agents later call to demand payment. Several loan apps have previously been flagged and shut down for abusive practices, including harassment and threats.
The DOTr emphasized that the hotline must remain dedicated to transport concerns to ensure efficient service to commuters. #END
News Source: ABS-CBN
Photo credit: DOTr
