The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has directed e-wallet providers to immediately take down in-app links and icons that connect users to online gambling platforms, ABS-CBN News reported.
BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan said the order was issued on the same day the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement opened its first hearing on the controversial industry. The central bank gave these platforms until the end of Saturday, August 16, to comply — a deadline that drew criticism from senators who wanted immediate action.
Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Joel Villanueva questioned the 48-hour grace period, warning that online gambling has already become a “growing menace” destroying lives. “It is not acceptable… we wanted to protect the public. Namamatay na nga yung mga tao eh,” Villanueva said.
Tangonan explained the extension was meant to give companies time to technically remove the links and allow users to withdraw remaining funds from their gaming accounts. However, Senate panel chair Erwin Tulfo warned that if links remain active by Sunday morning, Tangonan could be held in contempt.
GCash, one of the country’s largest e-wallet platforms, pledged full compliance with the BSP order, saying it shares the goal of ensuring digital financial services “are used responsibly and in ways that protect the welfare of Filipinos.”
During the hearing, senators from across party lines called for a total ban on online gambling. Tulfo stressed, “It does not matter whether it is legal or illegal — online gambling is destroying our lives.”
Data from PAGCOR shows over 32 million Filipinos participate in licensed online gambling. While Chairman Alejandro Tengco acknowledged loopholes, he pushed for stricter regulation instead of a blanket ban, citing illegal sites as the main culprit. PAGCOR expects ₱70 billion in revenue from online gambling this year, partly funding PhilHealth and other agencies.
The Senate is set to hold another hearing before the end of August, with e-wallet companies expected to attend.
