E-wallet GCash is set to implement a temporary limit on daily transactions ahead of the midterm polls, aimed at curbing vote buying.

According to GCash, the move aligns with Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 1104, which targets vote buying and vote selling.

“This aims to prevent vote-buying and other types of misuse of money related to elections,” GCash said in Filipino.

"GCash will monitor transactions to ensure they are not being used for illegal activities. If you reach the daily limit, you will be able to transact again the next day," it added.

Business users are similarly subject to these temporary restrictions to guarantee that all financial activities remain transparent and orderly during the election, the finance app noted.

GCash also explained that “Express Send” and “Send via QR” will be temporarily unavailable once the daily limit is reached.

"These measures are for fair and secure elections. By preventing financial influence on people's votes, we can ensure that the election results truly reflect the voice of the people," GCash added.

Comelec Resolution 1104 states: "any unusual transaction flow between accounts, digital banking and digital wallets, including large cash withdrawals involving the amount exceeding P500,000, encashment of checks, during election period, which have no underlying legal/trade obligation, purpose or economic justification or the amount involved is not commensurate with the business or financial profile of the client, shall be considered suspicious transactions of vote buying and vote selling."

Meanwhile, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia on Friday thanked GCash for implementing a daily transaction limit, acknowledging that the poll body’s efforts to keep the elections fair, clean, and honest “has been met with limitations and challenges” due to individuals attempting to fraudulently influence the election outcome.

Garcia cited online transactions using electronic money as a significant example of exploited technology, commenting that its ease and convenience “attracts malicious individuals to buy and/or sell votes for or against a candidate.”

"Imposing a daily limit on transactions for GCash, the most ubiquitous mobile payment service, will be instrumental in curbing attempts to buy votes. This will be crucial during the few days before the elections, which is usually when rampant vote-buying occurs," the Comelec chief added.

The GCash limit will remain in place until Election Day on 12 May. Transactions will return to normal on 13 May.