FATF gray list exit enablers honored

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recognized agencies instrumental in helping the Philippines exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list of notorious money laundering havens last February.

“Today, we are here with our smiles and high spirits because we are toasting the Philippines’ exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list. A very, very important achievement,” he said.

In a ceremony in Malacañang Palace on Monday, Marcos gave certificates of commendation to 29 government officials.

Among them are Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Anna Liza Logan, and Undersecretary Jeffry Gallardo from the Office of the President.

Other government officials commended were Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr., Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairperson and CEO Alejandro Tengco, as well as its president and COO Wilma Eisma, and Insurance Commissioner Reynaldo Regalado.

Leaders of Philippine law enforcement authorities were also recognized from the Office of the Ombudsman, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Customs, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

 Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the Supreme Court of the Philippines, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, the Anti-Money Laundering Council and the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority were also recognized.

Marcos noted that the removal of the Philippines from the FATF Gray List is “proof” that the Philippines, as a nation and as a government, can achieve more if its people work together.

“It is only fitting that we honor our collective acts of determination, of discipline, and of decisive leadership,” he said.

 With the FATF Gray List exit, Marcos said the Philippines was able to set its priorities of strengthening the credibility of the country’s financial system and securing global confidence in institutions.