Pacquiao Launches App to Rival GCash

Former senator and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has entered the fintech arena with the launch of Manny Pay, a new digital payment platform under 7th Pillar Integration Systems Corp., designed to offer Filipinos a secure and low-cost alternative for cashless transactions.

Initially operating as a payment gateway, Manny Pay aims to evolve into a full-fledged e-wallet and remittance service, 7th Pillar president and CEO Marc Bundalian said during the launch event Thursday night.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has granted the platform a temporary license, giving the company 30 days to meet all compliance requirements before a permanent license is issued.

Pacquiao, who chairs 7th Pillar, said the idea for Manny Pay came from a casual dinner conversation. “Someone asked, ‘Who’s gonna pay?’ and they said, ‘Manny Pay,’” he recalled, laughing.

The platform, powered by Amazon Web Services, prioritizes data protection and reliability, with Bundalian emphasizing a “slow but steady” rollout to avoid security lapses common among e-wallets.

Manny Pay users will soon be able to pay for utilities, tolls, and other services, with lower transaction fees than competitors.

Once fully licensed, the company plans to expand into fund transfers and remittances for overseas Filipino workers.