President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has instructed key government agencies to assist in developing the country’s National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism/Proliferation Financing Strategy (NACS) for 2026–2030.
The directive was issued through Memorandum Circular No. 113 dated February 12, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
Under the circular, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), acting as the secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism/Proliferation Financing Coordinating Committee (NACC), will provide technical and administrative support, set timelines, and monitor compliance among participating agencies.
“The heads of concerned government agencies and instrumentalities are hereby directed, and heads of LGUs are hereby encouraged, to ensure that their institutional action plans for the NACS 2026–2030 are aligned with their respective agency resources, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations,” the memorandum stated.
Government-owned and -controlled corporations, along with local government units, are likewise urged to extend full cooperation to the AMLC and actively participate in shaping the updated national strategy.
The move follows the completion of the Philippines’ Third National Risk Assessment (2021–2024), which identified key threats and vulnerabilities in money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing. The findings will inform risk-based measures for inclusion in the new strategy.
Updating the NACS is seen as crucial preparation for the country’s Fourth Mutual Evaluation by the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering in 2027.
The review will assess the Philippines’ compliance with the 40 recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and evaluate effectiveness across 11 immediate outcomes.
A technical compliance gap analysis aligned with FATF standards is currently underway to ensure the country’s framework meets international benchmarks ahead of the 2027 evaluation.
The issuance also reflects earlier FATF recommendations for the Philippines to continue close coordination with the APG to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems.