GCash blocked 6700 illegal gambling sites using QRPH

Tweet

GCash has blocked over 6,700 fraudulent merchants using "quishing"—a new tactic where scammers use fake QR codes to steal payments

As QRPh continues to transform the way Filipinos pay for everyday purchases, scammers are also evolving their tactics to exploit the country's growing reliance on QR-based transactions. To help keep digital payments safe, GCash has intensified its efforts against fraudulent merchants and fake payment pages, blocking over 6,700 suspicious accounts linked to QRPh-related scams while continuing to educate users on how to identify and avoid emerging threats.

How scammers exploit QRPh payments

Fraud monitoring teams at GCash have flagged a sharp rise in schemes where fake websites mimic legitimate GCash payment pages and use QRPh codes to collect payments. An example of a growing scam is known as “quishing” or QR phishing.

In these schemes, fraudsters exploit QRPh codes to redirect users to malicious payment pages or steal sensitive information, while misusing official branding to appear credible and deceive users into completing unauthorized transactions.

Some cases also involve fraudulent QRPh codes being embedded in posters, emails, receipts, or messages. When scanned, these can redirect users to fake login pages for e-wallets or banks, or even to sites that install harmful software on their devices. This results in users unknowingly sending money to illegitimate accounts, even if the transaction appears familiar or routine.

Protecting QRPh ecosystem through stronger enforcement

As QRPh-related scams continue to evolve, GCash has strengthened its enforcement measures to protect users against quishing and other QRPh-based scams.

Suspicious wallets linked to fraudulent QRPh activity are immediately blocked, preventing scammers from receiving stolen payments through the platform. Fake websites impersonating official GCash payment pages are likewise identified and escalated for takedown, while incident reports are submitted to PH Payments Management Inc. (PPMI) and relevant government authorities to support further investigation and enforcement.

These efforts form part of GCash's broader collaboration with government agencies, including the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), to disrupt scam networks, strengthen consumer protection, and preserve trust in the country's digital payments ecosystem.

"Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics alongside digital payments, and we are equally committed to staying ahead of these threats," said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer at GCash. "By proactively blocking suspicious accounts, flagging fraudulent payment pages, and reporting these activities to regulators and law enforcement, we help stop these schemes before they can affect more Filipinos."

Geronilla added, "Protecting users is at the core of our platform. We have zero tolerance for those who exploit digital financial services, and we will continue to strengthen our safeguards while working hand in hand with government and industry partners to keep the country's digital payments ecosystem safe and secure."

Protect yourself from QRPh-related scams

As scams become more sophisticated, GCash urges users to remain vigilant and practice safe digital habits when using QR-based payments:

• Always check the website URL before making payments and ensure it matches official GCash domains

• Verify the merchant name displayed before confirming any transaction

•  Avoid transacting with suspicious or unverified sites

• l Be cautious of QR codes from unknown or untrusted sources\

• l Report suspicious links or payment requests through the GCash Help Center

Users are strongly encouraged to verify merchant names and payment URLs before completing transactions and to immediately stop any transaction that appears suspicious.

Keeping digital payments safe for every Filipino

GCash reaffirms its commitment to protecting users and maintaining the integrity of the country’s digital payments ecosystem. Through proactive detection, continuous monitoring, and strong collaboration with regulators and law enforcement, the platform continues to strengthen its defenses against emerging threats.

GCash users can report suspected scams through the GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com by chatting with Gigi and selecting “I want to report a scam”, or by calling the official GCash hotline at 2882.

Users may also report incidents to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group at (02) 8414-1560 / 0998-598-8116 or acg@pnp.gov.ph, and to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) via hotline 1326, mobile 0991-481-4225, or report@cicc.gov.ph.

By staying vigilant and using trusted platforms, Filipinos can better protect their funds and ensure that every peso counts.

More information is available at www.gcash.com.

Pitik Queen Shows How to Lock In More Everyday Savings With the Upgraded GrabUnlimited

Tweet

With the upgraded GrabUnlimited, Filipino consumers need not tighten their belts to enjoy savings across food, groceries, and rides for only Php 48 per month through the annual plan

We all know the feeling. You want to order food, restock groceries, or book a ride, but the budget voice in your head says, “Tipid muna.”

GrabUnlimited makes that decision a little easier.

In Grab’s newest online video, viral social media sensation and Pitik Queen Ian Mark Kamangkang puts his signature tight belt and dance moves to good use, turning a familiar Filipino budgeting habit into the campaign’s main story.

Known online for cinching his belt and breaking into his now-iconic moves, Ian Mark brings humor to a very relatable dilemma: when the budget feels tight, should everyday conveniences like food delivery, groceries, and rides be the first to go?

GrabUnlimited offers a different answer. Instead of tightening their belts to cut back, users can make smarter Save Moves that help them lock in more value across the Grab app.

The upgraded GrabUnlimited gives subscribers more ways to save across the Grab ecosystem, from food and groceries to rides and rewards. For only PHP 48 per month through the annual plan, users can lock in year-round perks designed for everyday needs.

For GrabFood, savings are now easier to unlock. The minimum order value for discounted delivery has been lowered from Php 475 to just Php 390, allowing GrabUnlimited members to enjoy up to Php 49 off on delivery fees with a lower spend requirement. Members can also get 20% off on food orders from participating merchants, making daily meals, cravings, and group orders easier on the wallet.

GrabUnlimited now also includes GrabMart delivery discounts, giving members up to Php 80 off on delivery fees for groceries, pantry staples, household items, and other everyday essentials. It is a timely upgrade for users who want to save not only on food delivery, but also on the things they regularly need at home.

Furthermore, Grab is rolling out Top-Up Packs, giving GrabUnlimited members access to preferential rates and discounts at participating GrabFood restaurants and GrabMart stores. For a minimal upfront fee starting at PHP 29, subscribers can purchase restaurant- or store-specific voucher bundles from participating brands and unlock up to PHP 1,500 in extra savings.

GrabUnlimited members will also continue to enjoy transport perks, including 8% off GrabCar rides with a minimum fare of PHP 99 and an increased maximum discount of PHP 70. Members also exclusively earn base GrabCoins on all cashless transactions, helping them collect points faster and unlock more savings across the app.

The upgraded subscription comes with a more budget-friendly annual plan that brings the cost down to only Php 48 per month. For users who regularly order, shop, or book rides through Grab, the annual plan offers a practical way to lock in savings before the spending even begins.

With GrabUnlimited, Grab is giving Filipino users more ways to make everyday convenience feel more sulit. Whether it is a weekday lunch, a grocery run, a ride across the city, or a planned purchase from a favorite brand, the subscription helps users stretch their budget without giving up the services that make daily life easier.

As Ian Mark Kamangkang shows in the campaign, tipid does not always mean saying no. With the right Save Moves, it can also mean knowing where to get more value out of every peso.

Batangas Transport Cooperative (BATRASCO) drivers receive government fuel subsidy straight to their GCash e-wallets

Tweet

With the effects of the fuel crisis rippling across sectors, public transport is among the most severely impacted. Jeepney drivers are bearing the brunt of this volatility as rising costs threaten both their livelihoods and national mobility. The impact is felt far beyond the roads; this means tightening the budget of many Filipino households as well.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) earlier rolled out a fuel subsidy program for public utility vehicle drivers and operators nationwide. The initiative aims to help cushion the impact of the crisis, which also drove up the prices of basic commodities and utilities.

GCash works hand-in-hand with the DOTr, LTFRB, and other relevant government agencies to deliver the financial aid efficiently. The nation-building thrust of GCash enables drivers and operators to receive the subsidy straight to their e-wallets, making the disbursement process seamless and safe. Digitizing the payout eliminates the need to travel or wait in long lines, ensuring that aid reaches them without further delaying their livelihood.

Batangas Transport Cooperative (BATRASCO) president Romeo Macailao welcomes the digital disbursement of their fuel subsidy.

Among the recent recipients are the drivers and operators of Batangas Transport Cooperative (BATRASCO) in Lipa, Batangas. Romeo Macailao, president of the transport group, said that about 70 percent to 80 percent of their members were able to secure their financial aid already via GCash.

"Masaya sila nung natanggap nila iyon kasi napakadali lang, di na nila kailangan pumila ng matagal," the BATRASCO president added. (They were happy when they received it because it was very easy, and they no longer had to wait in long lines.)

Enabling financial inclusion

For Jayson, a 46-year-old jeepney driver from Brgy. Kwatro, Lipa City, the partnership meant more than just receiving aid. It also introduced him to how e-wallets like GCash can help people in their financial journey.

"First time ko pang mag-GCash nung na-receive ko yung ayuda, tinuruan ako nung anak ko paano i-set up," he shared. (It was my first time using GCash when I received the aid, and my child taught me how to set it up.)

 Jayson, 46, opens a GCash account for the first time.

Jayson is now a GCash user, marking his first step into the formal financial system. By opening his first official account through the app, he gains not only access to government aid and social services, but also secure financial tools that were once beyond his reach.

Convenient, seamless transactions

Both Roosevelt, 38, and Lito, 53, jeepney drivers from Bagong Pook, Lipa City, appreciated the convenience of receiving their financial aid through digital disbursements.

They did not have to spend hours in line. With a verified GCash account, the drivers were able to get the subsidy immediately, allowing them to have extra funds for their needs.

"Matagal na akong may GCash kaya natuwa ako nung nalaman kong doon na papasok ang ayuda. Napakabilis ng transaction at di na kailangang pumila pa," Roosevelt said. (I have been using GCash for a long time, so I was glad when I found out that the aid would be credited there. The transaction was very fast, and there was no need to line up anymore.)

"Hindi naman ako nahirapan mag-GCash, tinuruan lang ako ng aking asawa," Lito added. (I didn’t have a hard time using GCash; I was simply taught by my spouse.)

Lito also encouraged other drivers who do not have a GCash account to open one so they can reap the benefits of having access to digital financial services.

Dignified access to financial services

More than just convenience, digital disbursements enable drivers to focus on what matters most for their livelihood: staying on the road.

Loreto, a 42-year-old jeepney driver from Banaybanay, Lipa City, said he usually had to line up for half a day just to receive his subsidy. This meant losing around ₱700 in potential income, which is money he could have used to support his family’s needs.

"Ngayon, isang click na lang, nandoon na ang GCash. Nagagamit mo pa ang yung oras para kumita pa," Loreto said. (Now, it’s just one click, and GCash is there. You can even use the time to earn more.)

Alberto, 51-year-old jeepney driver from Bagong Pook, Lipa City, agreed. “Mas madali makuha yung ayuda ... di ka pa naaabala sa trabaho so mas maraming kikitain. Pag sa GCash, napaka-easy," he said. (It’s easier to receive the aid… and you’re not disrupted from work, so you can earn more. With GCash, it’s very easy.)

GCash continues to champion dignified access to digital financial services for all Filipinos. It shows how support can be delivered in ways that protect both time and livelihood, especially for workers in vulnerable sectors. In addition, this points to the growing role of digital platforms in making essential services more equitable and accessible.

Drivers can verify their eligibility for the LTFRB fuel subsidy by checking the official beneficiary list through the LTFRB Official Facebook Page (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-LTFRB) or by contacting their regional LTFRB office.

Eligible beneficiaries are usually registered PUV drivers and operators with valid franchises and updated LTFRB and LTO records. Drivers may need to present valid IDs and franchise documents, and those not included in the list may request record validation through LTFRB.

For more information, visit gcash.com.

4 Travel Pro Tips to Plan and Spend Smarter on Your Upcoming Trips This Year

Tweet

Despite higher costs in recent months, travel remains firmly on the calendar for many Filipinos, whether it’s for a family vacation booked months in advance, a work-related trip, attending a highly-anticipated concert, watching a sports event, or joining a fitness competition. And while the desire to travel remains strong, many are now being more intentional about how they spend once they’re abroad, becoming more mindful with their budgets.

As your travel plans take shape in the coming months, take note of these smart travel pro tips that can help you make the most out of your travel budget without cutting back on the experience!

1. Be smart and look out for promos and deals

One of the most practical ways to manage your budget while abroad is to stay open to better-value choices as you move through your trip, like checking for limited-time offers on hotel accommodations, researching ongoing promos at restaurants, or comparing prices before booking tours and experiences.

Give yourself time to compare prices so you can get the best value out of every experience. Sometimes, the best promos and deals appear when you least expect them, and with a little bit of patience, this is a way to stretch your budget further without changing any of your plans.

2. Don’t overlook travel insurance

Speaking of changing plans, should they happen through disruptions like a flight delay or lost baggage, having travel insurance adds an important layer of protection and helps you avoid significantly larger expenses. When you use GInsure Travel Protect on the GCash app, you can find international travel insurance starting at PHP 299, covering a range of accidents, emergencies, and inconveniences.

3. Skip expensive roaming charges with an eSIM

When you have to rely on online maps and ride-hailing apps to get around abroad, it’s important to stay connected, and the most seasoned travelers know that the smarter way to guarantee this is by having an eSIM. What makes these so convenient is that you can activate them even before you arrive, so that you’re connected the moment you land.

On the GCash app, you can now purchase eSIMs for as low as PHP 1, with coverage across more than 160+ countries. Access this travel pro tip via GCash Travel on the app – it only takes 5 minutes to set up, even right before your flight!

4. Be ready for every payment moment

The last thing you want while on a trip is to encounter an issue with your payments just when you’re already at the counter! While cash still comes in handy for smaller merchants, street vendors at the night market, or transportation in certain destinations, it’s most practical to carry multiple ways to pay for your different purchases abroad.

With GCash as your partner for international travel, you can manage different payment methods through a single e-wallet, access low forex rates, and have real-time spend tracking on the app.

You can use GCash to Scan to Pay via Alipay+ at merchants that accept QR payments when dining at restaurants or purchasing snacks at a convenience store. For instant, on-the-go payments especially in crowded areas or pasalubong shops, you can also use GCash with your Android phone to Tap to Pay so you don’t need to worry about scrambling for cash.

For high-value purchases, the GCash Card offers another layer of flexibility with your payments. You can simply swipe or tap your card to pay, without worrying about hidden fees or extra charges that you would typically encounter with a credit card. And for when you need it, you can also use your GCash Card to withdraw money from ATMs abroad!

The Best Travel Pro Tip? Travel with GCash!

Heading out to your next international adventure is exciting but keeping things convenient and worry-free when paying abroad makes it even better. Take note of all these GCash travel pro tips and download the GCash app today to stay ready for your upcoming trip!

Moneymaxxing Your Credit Card Without Maxing It Out

Tweet

In an economy where everything seems more expensive than it used to be, people aren't avoiding credit anymore. They're finding ways on how to make it work harder for them.

This shift fueled the rise of Moneymaxxing, a growing mindset focused on getting more value from the money you're already spending—whether that's through rewards, cashback, flexibility, or simply using the right financial tools for the right purchases.

Credit cards, when used strategically, can play an important role in that equation.

As the country's #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform, Maya makes it easier for users to put that mindset into practice through rewards, cashback, flexible payment options, and tools that help them get more value from their everyday spending.

Put planned spending on your card

One of the easiest ways to moneymaxx your credit card is surprisingly simple: use it for spending that was already going to happen. Think groceries, dining, travel bookings, subscriptions, fuel, and recurring bills.

The goal is to be more intentional about the spending that's already part of your life. Because the more your credit card aligns with your actual spending habits, the easier it becomes to earn rewards, enjoy cashback, and get more value from purchases you were already planning to make.

Treat your credit limit as a tool

A credit limit isn't extra income, it's a financial tool.

A good rule of thumb is to treat your credit card as a payment tool, not a spending target. Keeping your spending manageable makes it easier to stay on top of payments, avoid unnecessary stress, and maintain healthy credit habits over time.

Because moneymaxxing isn't about seeing how much credit you can access. It's about using it strategically.

Choose rewards you'll actually use

The best rewards are the ones you'll actually use.

With the Maya Black Credit Card, cardholders earn instant Maya Miles for every purchase, including up to 10x Maya Miles at Maya Black Preferred merchants. These Maya Miles can then be used for shopping, dining, and more, turning regular spending into perks and experiences that actually feel worth it.

There are also benefits beyond points. Complimentary quarterly airport lounge access at select local and international airports means cardholders can enjoy a more comfortable travel experience before takeoff.

For those who prefer cashback, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card helps everyday spending work a little harder too, with 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining, and 1% on most purchases.

And if you're regularly on the road, using your Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card at Landers-Caltex stations guarantees a minimum discount of up to ₱7.00 per liter on fuel, helping make every fuel stop a little easier on the wallet.

Because whether it's miles, cashback, travel perks, or fuel savings, moneymaxxing isn't always about spending less, it's about getting more value from the spending that's already happening.

Use flexibility when it makes sense

One thing people don't talk about enough when it comes to credit cards? Timing. Sometimes financial stress isn't caused by overspending. Sometimes it's simply because several expenses decide to show up at the same time: a trip gets booked, a bill comes in, something at home needs replacing. Life has a funny way of clustering expenses together.

That's why flexibility has quietly become one of the most underrated financial tools.

With Maya's Mini Payments feature, cardholders can split eligible posted purchases into 3, 6, 9, or 12 monthly payments, all with a fixed add on rate of 1% interest per month , making it easier to spread out larger expenses when it makes sense for your budget.

Pay on time, your future self will thank you

Moneymaxxing isn't just about rewards, cashback, or perks. Some of the biggest benefits happen behind the scenes.

Paying your credit card bill on time helps you avoid unnecessary charges and supports healthy credit habits over time.

And since everything lives within the Maya app, it's easier to keep track of spending, rewards, payments, and credit all in one place.

At its core, moneymaxxing your credit card isn't about spending more money. It's about getting more value from the spending that's already happening, whether that's through rewards, cashback, flexibility, or simply building better financial habits along the way.

To know more, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www.bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.

Manulife Philippines Appoints Edgar Tordesillas as General Counsel

Tweet

Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, today announced the appointment of Edgar Tordesillas as General Counsel, effective July 1, 2026. He will be part of Manulife Philippines’ executive committee.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Seasoned legal and compliance leader returns to Manulife with more than 25 years of experience in the Philippine financial services sector

---------------------------------------------------------------

Tordesillas brings more than 25 years of legal and compliance leadership experience in the Philippine financial services sector, with deep expertise in life insurance and asset management. He is returning to Manulife Philippines, where he previously served as Vice President, Legal and Compliance from 2007 to 2011.

Most recently, he served as General Counsel for another multinational life insurer for 14 years, where he provided strategic legal and regulatory guidance to senior leadership and oversaw legal and corporate governance matters. He also led litigation, dispute resolution, contract negotiations, and compliance programs.

As General Counsel for Manulife Philippines, Tordesillas will advise the company on a broad range of legal matters and help identify legal risks and issues related to the company’s intended actions. He will also provide counsel to the executive leadership team on a range of strategic and operational matters, helping ensure that business decisions are legally sound and aligned with the company’s risk appetite.

“Edgar brings deep legal and compliance expertise, as well as a strong leadership track record that will be critical as we continue to strengthen governance and support the company’s strategic priorities,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “His extensive experience in the Philippine financial services sector—combined with his sound judgment and understanding of the regulatory landscape—will help us navigate complexity, manage risk effectively, and enable sustainable growth. He will play an important role in ensuring that our business decisions are aligned with our ambition to be the #1 choice for customers in the Philippines.”

“Returning to Manulife Philippines is both meaningful and exciting for me,” said Edgar Tordesillas, General Counsel, Manulife Philippines. “I look forward to working closely with the leadership team and colleagues across the organization to support the company’s continued growth while upholding the highest standards of governance, integrity, and customer commitment. I am committed to helping strengthen the company’s legal and governance framework in a way that supports sound decision-making, prudent risk management, and disciplined execution across the business.”