Cacdac: Lower cost, less remittance requirements after PH removal from FATF's grey list
At A Glance
- Being listed in the FATF resulted in the Philippines undergoing heavy scrutiny for its financial transactions
- The DMW said the removal of the PHilippines from the list also means that businesses can also have access to global financing with less restrictions for Philippine banks and institutions.
The removal of the Philippines from the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) signals the start of a lower cost in sending remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to their relatives in the country, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.
Aside from low remittances fees, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the requirements for international money transfers will also be reduced, which will allow OFWs and businesses to have easier access to international financial transactions.
“It’s a good news for our OFWs and their families as the removal of the Philippines from the FATF grey list means lower remittance fees for our modern-day heroes, and more secure financial transactions through the whole-of-government efforts,” said Cacdac.
The Philippines was listed by the FATF in 2021 due to 18 deficiencies as identified by the international watchdog including money laundering in casinos and lack of prosecution for terrorism funding cases.
Being listed in the FATF resulted in the Philippines undergoing heavy scrutiny for its financial transactions and discouraged the foreign investors.
President Marcos directed all government agencies to address the country’s International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) Action Plan Items which are necessary to address the issues of the country in money laundering and terrorism financing.
He also issued Executive Order No. 33 establishing the country’s anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and counter-proliferation financing strategy for 2023-2027.
Marcos earlier hailed the removal of the country from the FATF list and said it a triumph for the country over illegal activities, including money laundering and terrorism financing.
Cacdac said the move also means that businesses can also have access to global financing with less restrictions for Philippine banks and institutions.