DOTr and AF Payments Warn Against Unauthorized Beep Charms Selling
Authorities have issued a strong warning against the unauthorized selling of Beep charms at inflated prices. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and AF Payments emphasized that such practices are illegal and exploit consumers.
During a recent briefing, officials revealed that approximately 20,000 Beep charms, keychains embedded with the card’s chip valued at P700 each, have been sold without authorization. This alarming figure highlights the urgency of addressing unauthorized Beep charms selling.
AF Payments Clarifies Official Beep Card Distribution
Jojo Carpio, CEO and president of AF Payments, clarified that the company does not release Beep charms. Instead, their focus remains on distributing affordable Beep cards, which are officially sold at P30 each at train stations nationwide.
AF Payments holds exclusive rights to the Beep trademark and logo and remains the sole supplier of genuine Beep cards. Carpio also expressed full support for the DOTr and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) in their efforts to curb unauthorized resellers and hoarders.
Suspect Nabbed for Inflated Beep Card Resale
Authorities recently apprehended Cateleen Ann Damundong Manalo, accused of reselling Beep cards on Facebook Marketplace at P200 each—over six times the official price. This case exemplifies the ongoing problem of unauthorized Beep charms selling exploiting commuters.
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon announced plans to urge online platforms to remove listings for unauthorized Beep charms. “If they don’t take these down, they will be included in the apprehension of General Bernard Yang in their cases because they tolerate and give them platforms to sell something illegal,” he stated.
Enhanced Measures Against Hoarding and Illegal Sales
To combat hoarding, closed-circuit television cameras will be installed at train stations where such activities frequently occur. Dizon warned that individuals caught hoarding will face immediate apprehension.
When questioned about the threshold for hoarding, Dizon noted that buying more than two Beep cards could raise suspicion. This approach aims to prevent bulk purchasing that fuels illegal resale and price inflation.
Improving Access and Convenience for Genuine Beep Cards
The DOTr is collaborating with AF Payments to introduce more convenient options for purchasing and loading Beep cards. Soon, commuters will be able to buy and reload cards at convenience stores nationwide, reducing the appeal of unauthorized sellers.
Dizon confirmed that the shortage of Beep cards has been resolved, with over 300,000 units delivered to Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 and 2, as well as Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3. Furthermore, discounted Beep cards offering a 50 percent fare reduction will soon be available for students, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens.
These coordinated efforts aim to protect commuters from exploitation linked to unauthorized Beep charms selling while enhancing accessibility and affordability of official Beep cards.
For more news and updates on unauthorized Beep charms selling, visit Filipinokami.com.
