Quezon City: The Philippine government's decision to fully ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) played a significant role in the country's removal from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) gray list, as revealed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Saturday. At the Saturday News Forum, DOJ Deputy State Prosecutor Deana Perez highlighted that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s direct involvement in declaring the ban was pivotal.

According to Philippines News Agency, Perez emphasized the importance of leadership in enforcing the ban, stating, "It's a very big factor considering that it started from the top. It's a high-level commitment to restrict illegal gambling and use of casinos in illegal matters." She further noted, "It was a huge contribution because it came from the top and when it was cascaded, the implementation was good."

The Philippines was placed on the FATF gray list in 2021 due to 18 identified deficiencies that the organization required the government to address to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. The FATF, an inter-governmental body, sets global standards to counter these financial crimes. Being on the gray list indicates a country is under "increased monitoring" for such issues.

Key deficiencies previously identified included inadequate regulatory supervision in gambling operations and POGOs, insufficient implementation of targeted financial sanctions, and delays in enacting the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. Perez pointed out that the POGO ban was crucial, as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation's oversight of casinos was among the last areas to meet FATF standards.