Philippine Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is calling on e-wallet providers to step up and stop their platforms from enabling transactions linked to online gambling.
Previously, Senator Cayetano filed the “Ban on Online Gambling Act” alongside his sister and fellow senator, Pia Cayetano. He has also expressed support for Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri’s “Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025,” which aims to ban all forms of online gambling, including payments made via e-wallets and credit cards.
On Tuesday, Cayetano urged digital payment platforms to act swiftly, stating, “Don’t wait for the guidelines—take action yourselves. After all, most of you are making huge profits.”
His comments mark the latest in a series of legislative efforts targeting the legal online gaming industry. However, experts have criticized these proposed bans, warning that outlawing the sector could push players toward unregulated black-market operators while depriving the government of significant tax revenue.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signaled a potentially different stance. Recently, he expressed support for higher taxes and stricter regulations instead of an outright ban, suggesting a more balanced approach to managing the industry.
Notably, the e-gaming sector remains a major contributor to the country’s economy. In the first quarter of this year, it generated over half of the Philippines’ gross gaming revenue (GGR).
