DITO Redirects Blocked Crypto-Exchange Traffic to PAGCOR-Approved Gambling Sites
DITO Telecom is routing Filipino users who try to access unregistered cryptocurrency exchanges (examples: Binance, MEXC, Crypto.com) to a bespoke “ACCESS RESTRICTED” warning page that frames those platforms as unlicensed gambling sites. Instead of a standard network or NTC block message (seen on ISPs like Smart and Globe), the DITO landing page displays a PAGCOR-branded notice that warns of scams and lost funds and explicitly promotes PAGCOR-approved online casinos — showing icons for Nustar, PlayTime, WinZir, GGPoker and Lucky Taya and seals for PAGCOR, NTC and CICC. The behavior was reported by web3 entrepreneur Steve Jimenez and documented by BitPinas. The page’s messaging has confused users and drawn attention because it redirects traffic from major crypto exchanges toward licensed gambling platforms, reframing regulatory blocking as a public-safety recommendation. No official statement from DITO, PAGCOR, NTC or the exchanges is cited in the report. Market-relevant facts: affected exchanges named (Binance, MEXC, Crypto.com); ISP involved (DITO Telecom); regulator and agency seals present (PAGCOR, NTC, CICC).
Bearish
Routing users away from major exchanges and labeling those platforms as unlicensed gambling increases regulatory uncertainty and access friction for Philippine crypto users. Immediate trading impacts: reduced on‑ramp liquidity for local traders, higher slippage and bid-ask spreads on regionally routed orders, and short-term selling pressure as retail users lose convenient access. Market sentiment may sour locally, discouraging new deposits and reducing trading volumes on affected exchanges. Historically, access blocks and regulatory crackdowns (for example, past local exchange bans or abrupt delistings) have correlated with short-term price weakness for regional trading pairs and reduced volumes. Longer term, if DITO’s behavior persists or is mirrored by other ISPs or coupled with formal regulatory action, institutional confidence and local onboarding could decline, slowing adoption and potentially lowering demand in the Philippine market for major tokens. However, if the issue is resolved quickly (clarification from DITO/PAGCOR/NTC or restoration of direct access), effects should be short-lived and limited to local volume disruptions. Key trader takeaways: expect localized liquidity squeezes, consider routing trades through unaffected onramps or international venues, monitor official statements from DITO/PAGCOR/NTC and exchange status pages, and be cautious with stop orders during volatile access disruptions.