President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has ordered alll government department and agencies to adopt a new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorim financing strategy.
In Executive Order No. 33, Marcos specifically directed government agencies to adopt the National Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorism Financing, and Counter Proliferation Financing Strategy (NACS) 2023-2027.
“In accordance with their respective mandates, all departments, agencies, bureaus, and offices of the National Government, including government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) are directed, and all local government units are encouraged, to formulate and implement relevant strategy plans and programs to execute the NACS 2023-2027,” Marcos said in his order.
According to the Palace, EO No. 33 aims to address the International Cooperation Review Group (IGRG) Action Plans, ensure that the Philippines exits the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, and improve its anti-money laundering, counter terrorism financing, and counter proliferation financing (AML/CTF/CPF) regime through the adoption of the said financing strategy.
The EO was dated July 4 and was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
Marcos' new directive gives the National AML/CFT Coordinating Committee (NACC) an additional power to reorganize its sub-committees while the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) was also included as additional member of the NACC, given its mandate in intelligence gathering.
“The chief executive said the NACC shall be chaired by the Executive Secretary, while the Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, who is the concurrent Chair of the Anti-Money Laundering Council, will serve as Vice Chair,” the Palace stated.
Other NACC members include the heads of Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Finance, Department of Justice, Department of National Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Trade and Industry, Securities and Exchange Commission, Insurance Commission, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority, and the NICA.
