The Philippines is boosting its AML/CTF measures to ensure it isn’t placed back on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, with the Philippine National Police (PNP) pledging full support of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
On Friday, PNP chief Ge. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. noted that the authority is “fully committed to President Marcos’ directive” and is “ready to integrate our investigative powers with AMLC in running after organized crime groups and syndicates”, reported the Philippine News Agency.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to support the nation’s National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism/Proliferation Financing Strategy for 2026-2030. The AMLC has been tasked with setting timelines, monitoring compliance of government agencies and providing technical and administrative support in the drafting.
The PNP will help by sharing data and in joint operations, leveraging technology and data analytics to detect suspicious financial transactions including cross-border financial movements.
Officers of the Anti-Cybercrime Group and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group are also being given training in financial forensics, money laundering trends and emerging financial crimes.
Under the increased vigilance, high-risk sectors including casinos and import/export businesses will be closely monitored and authorities will work with international counterparts to track illicit funds.
The nation’s president is fighting to keep the country off the FATF grey list, after being removed from the list in February of 2025. However, in recent statements the governor of the Philippines’ central bank warned that staying off the list “is going to be a long process”.
The clean-up of the gaming sector, including the shutdown of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and stricter junket oversight helped boost the nation’s image with the FATF. However, recent corruption scandals surrounding flood control projects place the country at risk of again being deemed of requiring further supervision by the international body.
The Philippines is scheduled for another FATF evaluation this year.
