Senator Bam Aquino has welcomed the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ latest move ordering e-wallet firms to cut ties with online gambling platforms.

Aquino said the directive is a step in the right direction but insisted that only a total ban can fully shield Filipino families from its dangers.

On Thursday, the BSP gave providers such as GCash and Maya 48 hours to delink gambling icons and links from their apps.

Both e-wallet giants have already pledged compliance, signaling the start of stricter oversight on digital payments tied to online gambling.

Aquino expressed confidence that the BSP order would weaken the industry’s grip on local players.

The senator said the ultimate goal remains a nationwide ban, noting that PAGCOR and the President hold the final say on the matter.

He aligned himself with Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri, who earlier warned of the social and moral costs of gambling in his July 30 privilege speech.

During plenary debates, Aquino criticized PAGCOR for what he called a double standard in its regulations.

He pointed out that the agency prohibits physical gambling hubs within 300 meters of schools, churches, markets, and resettlement areas but allows mobile gambling that sits “just 3 centimeters away” through a smartphone.

Aquino said it is time for regulators and the Palace to lead the way in ending online gambling once and for all.

Event-to-Impact Chain
BSP order issued → E-wallet compliance pledged → Online gambling access restricted → Industry weakened → Aquino pushes for total ban → Decision rests on PAGCOR and President.