HOME > INQUIRER > Article

Text Size

small

medium

large


BSP to e-wallets: Unlink from e-gambling sites within 48 hours

BSP to e-wallets: Unlink from e-gambling sites within 48 hours

Provided by INQUIRER.net.

BSP orders e-wallets to unlink from e-gambling sites within 48 hours
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. — File photo/Philippine Daily Inquirer



MANILA, Philippines — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has issued an ultimatum, ordering all e-wallets to unlink their platforms to online gambling sites within 48 hours, but senators are not pleased with the two-day period, demanding that it be done now.

BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan disclosed the matter before the Senate committee on games and amusement’s hearing on Thursday, saying that they issued the order just this Thursday.



READ: Stricter BSP payment rules on online gambling out soon

Tangonan said they particularly instructed e-wallet platforms to remove their in-app features or links allowing users to use e-gambling sites. Gamblers, however, will still be able to bet using these e-wallet platforms by directly accessing e-gambling sites.

“We gave them 48 hours to take down,” said Tangonan.

First to question Tangonan was Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who appeared to be displeased with the timing of BSP’s order.

“Be very clear here because this hearing is not a joke. Are we fooling ourselves? Be forthright. So in 48 hours, we can expect that these will all be removed?” asked Cayetano to which the BSP official answered in the affirmative.

“Why do we need 48 hours? Isn't that instant? When I say remove that today, don't the technical staff of e-wallets know that? What's this, payment for two more days?” the senator questioned.

Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center Undersecretary Renato Paraiso, who was asked by Cayetano about the matter, said it can be done right away.

But to the BSP’s defense, Tangonan said they only wanted to give ample time for e-wallets to prepare and inform the public.



READ: BSP readies ‘stronger safeguards’ against online gambling

Apart from Cayetano, panel head Sen. Erwin Tulfo likewise questioned BSP’s 48-hour order.

“So, on Saturday, we in this committee can expect that games will no longer be linked to these e-wallet platforms? End of Saturday. So on Sunday morning, we will no longer see games on e-wallets, and if I see anything, I will cite you for contempt. Can I do that? Do not take this committee as a joke. This is no joke, we're facing a crisis,” said Tulfo.

Tangonan agreed to be cited for contempt should e-wallets’ links to e-gambling sites be not removed by the end of Saturday.

For his part, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said he objects to the 48-hour order made by BSP, noting that the bank’s justification for the period is not justified.

“I would respectfully object to those statements made by the Central Bank in saying that they need time – 48 hours – to take it down while we heard from (Assistant Secretary) Paraiso that they can do it right away,” said Villanueva.

“I just don’t get it. Forgive me, but the answer as to why 48 hours is needed is not acceptable. We want to protect the public — people are already dying. Numbers don’t lie,” he added, referring to the people who committed suicide after losing money to online gambling.

Data presented during the hearing showed that there are 11,985 illegal online gambling sites in the country. Of this number, 6,363 are online casino games, 235 are offshore sites, and 4,815 are online sabong (cockfighting). /das

To read a full story, please click here to find out how to subscribe.

INQUIRER

HEADLINES

POLITICS
TICAD 9 to Start in Yokohama on Wed. to Discuss Aid for African Countries
ECONOMY
Taiwan's Hon Hai, Japan's SoftBank to Jointly Make Data Center Equipment in Ohio
SPORTS
Women's Tennis: Japan's Uchijima Loses in 1st Round of Cleveland Championships
OTHER
3-Year Prison Term Sought for Ex-Kadokawa Chairman over Tokyo Games Bribery

AFP-JIJI PRESS NEWS JOURNAL


Photos