President Marcos Jr. Mandates National Anti-Money Laundering Strategy Targeting High-Risk Casino and Real Estate Sectors

President Marcos Jr. targets casinos and real estate in a new anti-money laundering drive to keep the Philippines off the FATF "grey list" in 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 26, 2026, 4:13 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from iGB

The Transaction or Development

The Philippine government has moved to solidify its financial integrity through a direct executive mandate from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., issued on February 12. The directive requires all "concerned government instrumentalities" to integrate their operations with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to create a unified front against organized crime. General Jose Melencio Nartatez of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has formally pledged the department’s investigative power to support this updated strategy, focusing specifically on the flow of illicit funds tied to smuggling, cybercrime, and illegal narcotics.

Regulatory and Competitive Landscape

This policy shift is driven by a deep-seated fear that the Philippines could be relegated back to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) "grey list." The country was previously listed from 2021 until February 2025, a designation that serves as a major red flag for international investors and complicates global banking relationships. To maintain its current standing, the government is focusing on an 18-point action plan that addresses historical gaps, such as the fact that the Anti-Money Laundering Act was only extended to cover the casino sector as recently as July 2017.

Strategic Rationale and Market Impact

The strategic focus has shifted heavily toward "high-risk sectors," with casinos, real estate, and import-export businesses under intense surveillance. By strengthening international cooperation with foreign law enforcement, the Philippines aims to track the entry and exit of illicit capital more effectively. For the gaming industry, this means heightened scrutiny of junket operations, which were a primary reason for the country’s previous inclusion on the FATF "dirty-money" roster. A return to the grey list could jeopardize the country's status as a burgeoning regional hub for integrated resorts and offshore gaming.