Manila: Senator Erwin Tulfo has called on financial technology firms to voluntarily eliminate access to online gambling from their digital platforms, framing it as a matter of corporate and social responsibility.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tulfo, who serves as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement, made this appeal ahead of the committee’s scheduled hearings on proposals that seek a total ban on online gambling operations in the country. The senator emphasized that companies should not wait for legislation to act, stressing the urgent need for accountability from major players like GCash and PayMaya.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, Tulfo stated, “Companies shouldn’t wait for legislation. You have a social responsibility, and we’re already facing a crisis. The online gambling problem is a crisis.” He further urged these fintech firms to demonstrate their corporate and social responsibility by taking immediate action.

Tulfo announced that representatives from financial technology companies, concerned government agencies, and other stakeholders would be summoned to the forthcoming hearings. He also expressed his concerns about the widespread presence of online gambling advertisements on social media and internet applications.

Highlighting the moral and ethical implications, Tulfo questioned, “Common sense and morality-where do you stand? So many lives are being ruined. These are big companies, even listed on the stock exchange. You used to thrive without online gambling.” He reiterated his stance on outlawing all forms of online gambling, arguing that the social costs far outweigh any perceived benefits.

The senator also raised alarms about the potential misuse of government aid, saying, “Before, we only heard rumors that 4Ps [Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program] money was being gambled away in tong-its. But now, it’s scary to think government aid might be going straight to online gambling.”