Senators push e-wallet firms to curb online gambling

Senators Risa Hontiveros and Pia Cayetano urged e-wallet and super app companies to self-regulate due to concerns over easy access to online gambling.

Hontiveros cited numerous complaints about the devastating impact of online gambling addiction, including debt and suicide, while Cayetano called it a 'silent epidemic' with users draining their savings in hopes of winning.

Both senators have filed legislation addressing online gambling; Hontiveros proposed limiting access via e-wallets, while Cayetano is pushing for a full prohibition.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is now looking to create stricter rules for payment service providers to protect clients from risks associated with online gambling.

Gaming authority PAGCOR has opposed an outright ban on online gambling, arguing instead for tighter regulation and the importance of taxes from legal gaming platforms in funding government projects.