Order Text
IN RE: POPULUS LENDING CORPORATION (PESOPOP) AND ITS RESPONSIBLE OFFICERS NPC SS 21-008
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ORDER
On 11 August 2022, the Commission conducted a Clarificatory Hearing in relation to the alleged “limited launch” of the online lending application, Pesopop, during the effectivity of the Temporary Ban against Populus Lending Corporation, as the operator of Pesopop, and its responsible officers (Respondents).
Attys. MTEP, LQ-A, RSC, SA, Mr. RS, and Ms. JR appeared for the Complainant.
Attys. CEA, RAJP, JJAP, and KMSM appeared for the Respondents.
During the Clarificatory Hearing, the Commission ordered Respondents to submit the following information and documents:
- Proof in relation to the alleged process of automatically rejecting new loan applications during the “limited launch” that occurred while the Temporary Ban issued by the Commission was in effect;
- Proof that the version of the Pesopop mobile application launched on a “limited” basis was for the sole purpose of processing payments for existing loan obligations;
- Android Package Kit (APK) files for versions 1.5.1, 1.5.4, and 1.5.5 of the Pesopop mobile application;
- Total number of users of the Pesopop mobile application;
- Total number of users of the Pesopop mobile application with existing loan obligations;
- Total number of times the Pesopop mobile application was downloaded during the “limited launch”;
- Copy of the Board Resolution or its equivalent indicating the person or persons who approved the “limited launch” of the Pesopop mobile application; and
- Copy of the Board Resolution or its equivalent indicating who decided to publish the Pesopop mobile application in Google Play Store and other platforms while the Temporary Ban was in effect.
WHEREFORE, premises considered, Populus Lending Corporation, as the operator of the online lending application, Pesopop, and its responsible officers are hereby ORDERED to submit the above identified information and documents to the Commission within a non-extendible period of ten (10) days from receipt of this Order.
Failure to comply with this Order shall cause the Commission to adjudicate the issues on the basis of the evidence on record.
SO ORDERED.
City of Pasay, Philippines. 11 August 2022.
LEANDRO ANGELO Y. AGUIRRE Deputy Privacy Commissioner
WE CONCUR:
JOHN HENRY D. NAGA Privacy Commissioner
DUG CHRISTOPER B. MAH Deputy Privacy Commissioner
Copy furnished:
VASIG ABARQUEZ LUMAUIG ABARQUEZ PUNO LAW OFFICES Counsel for Respondents
COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATION DIVISION ENFORCEMENT DIVISION GENERAL RECORDS UNIT