GCash Supports COMELEC’s Kontra-Bigay Campaign

GCash expressed its full support for the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) Resolution No. 10946, also known as "Kontra-Bigay", ahead of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Officials from the fintech company attended the campaign’s launch at the Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila, earlier in September. The launch was also attended by distinguished representatives from lead agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), Public Attorney's Office (PAO), Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Department of Education (DepEd), as well as prominent election-focused NGOs like National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and Legal Network For Truthful Elections (LENTE).

COMELEC Resolution No. 10946 aims to combat online vote buying and selling by establishing a Kontra-Bigay Committee and expanding the existing vote-buying regulations under the Omnibus Election Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, as well as the other rules and regulations issued by COMELEC.

One of the most significant highlights of the newly passed resolution is its recognition of online banking transactions and the use of e-wallets as potential channels for vote buying under Section 30. During the launch, COMELEC emphasized its authority to scrutinize the financial details of account holders suspected of involvement in such illicit activities.

“GCash reiterates its unwavering commitment to cooperate fully with the COMELEC in the fight against online vote buying. The company recognizes the critical role fintech companies play in safeguarding the integrity of elections by preventing the misuse of digital financial tools for unlawful purposes,” said Martha Sazon, president and chief executive officer of GCash.

GCash believes that fostering transparency, accountability, and trust in financial transactions is paramount to ensuring fair, honest, and inclusive elections that reflect the people's will.
"We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and security in financial transactions and will actively support the COMELEC in their efforts to maintain a level playing field for all candidates and voters,” added Sazon.

As the country’s no. 1 finance super app, GCash embraces its responsibility in ensuring that not only finance but also democracy, is for all.

Heart of Kapitan for the Country's Heroes

PAL Chairman Lucio C. Tan is granting special privileges for the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in recognition of their sacrifices for the country.

Dr. Tan is granting 40 kilos free baggage allowance to AFP and PNP personnel in active service traveling on all PAL domestic routes on official or personal capacity.

Military personnel are required to present their valid identification card upon check in at the airport. Baggage in excess of the free baggage allowance of 40 kilos shall be assessed the applicable excess baggage rates.

This grant, which is applicable across all fare brands, shall be valid only for travel until 31 December 2017.

“My heart goes out to our country's heroes and heroines who have sacrificed their lives in the battlefield and to all those who continue fighting to save Marawi and other critical areas. You deserve the country's highest honor,”stressed Chairman Tan.

In addition, a 20% discount on ALL regular domestic fare brands (except budget economy fare brands) is also being provided to all active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for any type of travel – official or personal. AFP and PNP personnel must present a valid ID card upon ticketing.


On July 25, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte will be honoring fallen soldiers of Marawi in Malacanang Palace with the family members of deceased soldiers as special guests.

PAL is extending two free domestic tickets to Manila for each family attending the said event called “Salamat Magigiting na Mandirigma, Go Negosyo Kapatid from Marawi Financial Assistance to the Families of Fallen Heroes”.

Earlier, the flag carrier donated two million pesos to the AFP for the soldiers who are fighting or have fought in Marawi. 

The Tan Yan Kee Foundation – the corporate social responsibility arm of the LT Group as well as the PAL foundation are carrying out donation drives and humanitarian cargo grants, respectively, for those affected by the Marawi situation.

*This is Press Release