GCash Implements Transaction Caps Ahead of 2025 Elections

GCash, the country’s leading fintech app, has announced new measures to curb vote-buying activities during the upcoming midterm elections. Starting immediately until May 12, 2025, the e-wallet will impose a ‘Send Money’ transaction limit, with normal operations resuming on May 13, 2025—the day after the elections. This proactive step comes in strict compliance with COMELEC Resolution No. 10946 (Kontra-Bigay), aimed at preventing illegal financial flows that could influence the electoral process.

In a bid to bolster security and maintain electoral integrity, GCash has chosen not to disclose the exact daily limit, citing compliance and safety concerns. Users will receive an error notification if they exceed the cap, ensuring that potential vote-buying transactions are halted before they occur. While this measure might cause some inconvenience for regular customers and small businesses, the Ayala-led fintech firm assures that the temporary restriction is a necessary safeguard during a critical period.

Beyond setting transaction limits, GCash has ramped up its monitoring of suspicious activities within its app. The company is on high alert for any unusual transaction patterns—such as large cash withdrawals exceeding PHP 500,000 or atypical transaction flows that do not align with a client’s financial profile. These measures are in line with Section 29 of COMELEC Resolution No. 11104, which outlines that any inexplicable or disproportionate transaction during the election period will be treated as a potential vote-buying attempt and reported to the proper authorities.

This move by GCash highlights the growing responsibility of digital payment platforms in maintaining fair electoral practices. As the election season approaches, industry experts and political observers are watching closely, noting that such steps are critical in preventing misuse of technology in political finance. While the limits might slow down certain transactions, the overall goal is to ensure a transparent and just voting process for all.