SP’s 48-Hour Ultimatum
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has directed all electronic wallet providers to remove icons and links leading to online gambling websites within 48 hours. The sudden deadline drew criticism from several senators, who questioned whether such urgency was necessary.
The announcement came during a Senate hearing of the Committee on Games and Amusement, where BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan explained that the Monetary Board had approved the directive earlier that day.
“The Monetary Board has approved our proposed policy instructing BSP-supervised institutions to delete and disable all in-app icons and links that redirect to gambling sites,” Tangonan told the committee, adding that by Sunday, e-wallet apps should have no more connections to iGaming platforms.
Senate Pushback
Committee chairman Senator Erwin Tulfo issued a stern warning to Tangonan, threatening him with contempt if gambling links were still visible by Sunday morning.
Speaking in Filipino, Tulfo said:
“Do not take this committee lightly. We are facing a crisis. If those links are still there by Sunday morning, we will hold you in contempt.”
Tangonan defended the 48-hour timeframe, saying it was designed both to give e-wallet companies time to technically comply and to allow customers to withdraw funds from gambling accounts before access was cut.
E-Wallet Operators Promise Compliance
GCash operator G-Xchange Inc. pledged “full compliance” with BSP’s order.
“Like the BSP, we are committed to ensuring digital financial services are used responsibly and to safeguarding the welfare of Filipinos,” the company said in a statement, promising to implement changes “immediately” upon receipt of formal instructions.
Maya also confirmed it was “ready to comply,” assuring customers that accounts and transactions would remain secure and uninterrupted.
Broader Concerns on Gambling
The hearing was held jointly with other Senate committees amid growing calls for a national ban or tighter regulation of online gambling.
Senator Tulfo argued that both legal and illegal gambling were “destroying lives” in the Philippines. He accused the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) of fueling the problem and questioned the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) over its role in safeguarding digital platforms.
Senator Risa Hontiveros urged a “whole-of-government” response, stressing the need for legislation to ensure coordinated action.
Thousands of Illegal Sites Still Active
Earlier this year, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) announced the shutdown of 8,901 illegal gambling sites in a nationwide crackdown. However, during the hearing, lawmakers were told that 11,985 illegal platforms remain active—including 6,363 online casino games, 235 offshore sites, and 4,815 online cockfighting (sabong) platforms.
