Globe files second NTC case against text spam

Globe Telecom filed its second complaint before the National Telecommunications Commission this month against another company sending text spam to its mobile customers.The latest case involves the Center for Global Best Practices (CGBP), a company that offers training and seminar courses. The complaint comes just weeks after Globe slammed Caritas Health Shield, Inc., a health insurance provider, on the same grounds.Subscribers have been complaining of getting an average of five to 10 text spams a day, usually sent by prepaid numbers as they are untraceable and are easily disposable. Legitimate text blasts approved by the regulating agency, however, are properly identified and do not carry 11-digit numbers.Globe is asking the regulatory body to order CGBP to pay the appropriate fines and penalties and permanently bar the company from further sending annoying text spam to its subscribers. Pending the resolution of a case, a cease and desist order should be issued, Globe said.Globe General Counsel Froilan Castelo said that public clamor to combat spam messages has become a matter of public interest requiring the regulatory body to use all of its disciplinary powers.“The complaint we filed against CGBP should serve as a warning to other companies whose agents send irritating spam messages to our customers. Globe Telecom will not tolerate the use of our network for activities that serve as a nuisance to our subscribers especially if they are unsolicited and unwanted,” stressed.Below are samples of text spam sent by CGBP:“Help your children ace all exams, excel in school and top the class! Have them attend with you a 5-session ‘Super Memory Program for High School’ (starting May 10) and ‘Super Memory Program for College’ (starting May 9) at The Bellevue Hotel, Alabang. Featuring lecturer coach and Double Gold Medalist Robert Racasa who has made Philippines rank #1 in Asia in super memory competitions and has produced 3 international Filipino Grandmasters in Super Memory Championships. For details, call Center for Global Best Practices (www.cgbp.org) MLA (02) 5568968/69; CEBU (032) 512-3106/07; BAGUIO (074) 423-5148.” “ATTN Business & Govt Officials: Learn the best practices on how to link budgeting to procurement! Or lobby for business deals in the planning stage. Attend ‘Business & Public Officials’ Guide to Planning & Budgeting for LGUS’ on Thursday & Friday, May 22 & 23, 2014 at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong City. For details, call Center for Global Best Practices (www.cgbp.org) MLA (02) 5568968/69; CEBU (032) 512-3106/07; BAGUIO (074) 423-5148.”