Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday raised concerns over the increasing use of online lending apps (OLAs), which he claims are exacerbating the financial woes of Filipinos already ensnared in online gambling, leading many into a deeper cycle of debt.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian highlighted that the harsh and often predatory lending conditions imposed by some OLAs are aggravating the struggles of those battling gambling addiction. He stressed that these apps provide quick but expensive access to money, which individuals use to continue gambling online, subsequently borrowing more to settle previous debts.

Gatchalian, referencing various online forums, noted that many individuals have resorted to OLAs as a desperate measure to fund their gambling habits. The senator has previously called for a Senate investigation into the proliferation of OLAs and their alleged aggressive debt collection methods, such as harassment, public shaming, and unauthorized access to personal information.

He urged relevant government authorities to tighten the enforcement of existing regulations against unlicensed and exploitative OLAs, aiming to protect vulnerable Filipinos from further financial exploitation.