Speaking at the KapiHann media forum hosted by the Pampanga Press Club at Swissotel Clark inside Hann Resorts, Dacta security architect and ethical hacker Kenneth Piamonte warned that fake online promotions have become one of the tactics used by hackers to launch phishing attacks.
Piamonte said raffle links and offers of free gadgets, cash prizes, or gift vouchers are often designed to trick users into revealing passwords, banking credentials, and other personal information.
QR code scams and rapid breaches
He also cautioned the public against scanning QR codes from unverified or suspicious sources. Piamonte said that these may redirect users to fraudulent websites or install malicious software on their devices.
Piamonte was joined at the forum by Dennis Amores, operations head of Smart Office Solutions Corp., and fellow ethical hacker Buddy Bantayan. Ethical hackers are certified information technology professionals who legally identify vulnerabilities in computer systems to help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity.
52-second breach risk
Piamonte said malicious hackers have become more aggressive, with some capable of penetrating personal and corporate accounts in less than 52 seconds when security measures are weak. He added that data breaches can result in recovery costs amounting to millions of pesos due to lost or stolen information.
To reduce the risk of cyberattacks, Piamonte advised the public to download applications only from trusted platforms such as Google Play and the Apple App Store, create strong and unique passwords for email and online banking accounts, avoid opening suspicious files, and exercise caution when using USB drives and public Wi-Fi networks.
Beyond antivirus: vulnerability tools
He also encouraged internet users to go beyond traditional antivirus software by using vulnerability assessment tools, saying free applications are available for personal users. For businesses, he recommended enterprise cybersecurity solutions such as Heimdal to strengthen protection against evolving cyber threats.
Piamonte urged both individuals and organizations to make cybersecurity a daily habit, stressing that vigilance remains the first line of defense against increasingly sophisticated online scams.
Angeles Council reviews septage fee ordinance
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Angeles City is currently reviewing and revising the controversial septage or environmental fee ordinance, which was suspended by the city government, through an executive order issued by Mayor Jon Lazatin, on July 1, 2025.
This was bared by Vice Mayor Amos Rivera during a recent media forum at Swissotel Clark, dubbed KapiHann, hosted by Pampanga Press Club and Hann Resorts and Casino. The official said the review of the ordinance will ensure transparency, strengthen public awareness, and protect the groundwater resources.
Balancing environment and development
Rivera said the ordinance was basically designed to protect preserve and develop the aquifer. "But when we did a review, we felt that we need to temporarily suspend its implementation."
The vice mayor added that the council is now finalizing proposed amendments to align with existing environmental policies including provisions in the Clean Water Act.
“The purpose of the suspension was to ensure that, if and when the ordinance is implemented, it will be done with transparency and with the understanding of our constituents,” Rivera said.
He emphasized that the proposed revisions seek to balance environmental protection with development. “Environmental protection and progress should work hand in hand,” he said.
Groundwater protection and water summit
Rivera explained that the imposition of environmental fee is intended to help in protecting Angeles City’s groundwater from contamination caused by improperly managed wastewater. He noted that Angeles City currently has no sewerage master treatment facility.
Under the proposed system, wastewater from septic tanks would be periodically collected by accredited desludging or siphoning service providers and transported to a facility before being discharged into rivers or streams in compliance with environmental standards.
He also stressed the need to educate residents about the purpose and benefits of the ordinance before its implementation.
To address water-related concerns, Rivera said the city government plans to conduct public hearings and organize a water summit that will bring together water providers operating in Angeles City. The proposed two-day summit aims to consolidate data from water companies, assess the city’s current water situation, and identify solutions to ensure a reliable and safe water supply for residents.
Previous ordinances and suspension
Lazatin earlier said the suspension of the ordinance, which allowed the collection of environmental fees by water firms, was implemented to ease the financial burden on Angeleños.
Ordinance No. 343, S-2014: Established the initial water quality and septage management system. It set a fee based on water consumption to sustain the city's Angeles City Septage Fee Ordinance.
Ordinance No. 487 (2019) & 640 (2022): Imposed stricter desludging requirements and a standard ₱5 per cubic meter septage fee. New Angeles City mayor suspends septage, environmental fees. Ordinance No. 697 (2023): Increased the fee to ₱10 per cubic meter for non-residential buildings and expanded the regulations to a minimum and maximum monthly charge. With the suspension of the ordinance, accredited service providers stopped siphoning operations and water utility firms have suspended the collection of charges.
