Maya, GCash Comply With Unlink Order on Gaming

Following a directive from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), digital wallet platforms GCash and Maya will suspend access to online gambling sites starting today.

- Janvic Mateo, Jose Rodel Clapano, Rhodina Villanueva, Emmanuel Tupas, Bella Cariaso, Marc Jayson Cayabyab

In separate advisories, the two platforms informed customers how they could withdraw funds from their gaming accounts before the unlinking takes effect at 8 p.m.

For Maya users, customers may withdraw any remaining funds from linked gaming accounts back to their Maya Wallet via the Games feature.

Expressing support for the government effort, Maya said: "We will always safeguard our customers and ensure uninterrupted availability of all our financial services. Maya will continue working closely with regulators and industry partners to uphold the highest standards of consumer protection and full compliance with all regulations." On Thursday, the BSP said it directed e-wallet platforms and other financial institutions under its supervision to unlink online gambling platforms from its systems within 48 hours.

The directive was announced during a Senate hearing seeking to address reported issues related to online gambling, particularly its impact on Filipinos.

BSP backed

Lawmakers lauded the BSP's suspension of in-app gambling access in e-wallets, calling it a critical step in protecting Filipinos from addiction and financial ruin.

In a joint statement, House "Young Guns" bloc members Deputy Speakers Paolo Ortega and Jefferson Khonghun, Deputy Majority Leaders Zia Alonto Adiong and Ernesto Dionisio Jr. and Rep. Lordan Suan said that BSP's initiative addresses the surge in online gambling transactions and their detrimental impact on Filipino consumers' financial health.