GCash is tightening its verification process to trace vote-buying in the 2022 elections
Mobile wallet app GCash will be implementing stricter user onboarding and account verification to enhance the traceability of transactions in the days leading up to the 2022 elections.
Per GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon, the platform will introduce more stringent measures as part of its “Know Your Customer” process—from account registration, verification, to security controls in tracking the identity of suspicious digital transactions.
“GCash will remain steadfast in our commitment to promote responsible use of digital payment platforms, especially in the days leading up to the 2022 elections,” Sazon said.
"We will ensure that the digital products, platforms, and services offered are not misused for vote-buying, vote-selling, and other illegal partisan political activities during the elections."
Gcash users are required to submit a valid ID and fill up personal information sheets to get verified. Once verified, the users are given increased wallet and transaction limits and can start sending money to other banks.
This wouldn't be the first time that the possibility of digital vote-buying has been floated. Former COMELEC Commissioner Rowena Guanzon had sought the help of experts back in 2021 so the Commission can counter the act.
“Vote buying is now going techie, because people cannot, politicians cannot go house to house and then distribute money," Guanzon said, pertaining to a "GCash system" that she had come across in terms of vote-buying.
“Although we cannot prevent it, to catch them and prove that they used it to buy votes, we will be very grateful because it’s something that the Comelec has not done before,” Guanzon added.
Meanwhile, GCash said it would continue to form partnerships with regulators to further safeguard the misuse of the platform before May 9.