Tulfo urges e-wallets to drop gambling links

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

He urged major players such as GCash and PayMaya to act immediately and show accountability. (Pexels Photo)

MANILA – Senator Erwin Tulfo on Thursday called on financial technology firms to voluntarily remove access to online gambling from their digital platforms, framing it as a matter of corporate and social responsibility.

Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement, made the appeal ahead of the committee’s scheduled hearings on proposals seeking a total ban on online gambling operations in the country.

“Companies shouldn’t wait for legislation. You have a social responsibility, and we’re already facing a crisis. The online gambling problem is a crisis,” Tulfo said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.

He urged major players such as GCash and PayMaya to act immediately and show accountability.

“If your business is already hurting people, maybe it’s time to reinvent. Now, we want to see what you call corporate responsibility—social responsibility. Show us. You’re big companies, aren’t you?” he said.

Tulfo said representatives from fintech firms, concerned government agencies, and other stakeholders will be summoned to the hearings.

He also raised concerns over the prevalence of online gambling advertisements on social media and internet apps.

“Common sense and morality—where do you stand? So many lives are being ruined. These are big companies, even listed on the stock exchange. You used to thrive without online gambling,” he said.

The freshman senator doubled down on his call to outlaw all forms of online gambling, arguing that the social costs outweigh any perceived benefits.

“Before, we only heard rumors that 4Ps [Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program] money was being gambled away in tong-its. But now, it’s scary to think government aid might be going straight to online gambling,” he said.