PBBM STRENGTHENS PH FIGHT VS. FINANCING CRIMINALITIES—AMLC

By Julito G. Rada

THE signing of Executive Order 33 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. strengthens the government’s battle against money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing, the Anti-Money Laundering Council said over the weekend.

“... This demonstrates the Philippine government’s strong high level political commitment to strengthen the country’s Anti Money Laundering/ Counter Terrorism Financing/Counter Proliferation Financing (AML/CTF/CPF) regime,” AMLC told Manila Standard in an emailed statement when sought for comment.

“The NACS 2023-2027 provides strategic direction and coordinated efforts in addressing the remaining International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) action plan items to exit the Financial Action Task Force grey list,” AMLC said.

“All relevant government agencies, including supervisors, regulators, law enforcement/intelligence agencies and prosecutors are directed to formulate and implement relevant strategy plans and programs to execute the NACS 2023-2027, and to swiftly implement the ICRG action plans,” it said. The grey list consists of countries that are actively working with the FATF to address the strategic deficiencies in their regimes to counter money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.

Through EO 33, the President directed all government agencies and local government units to adopt the National Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorism Financing, and Counter Proliferation Financing Strategy (NACS) 2023-2027.

“This is part of the government’s efforts to move the Philippines out of

2ND PH-US COPE THUNDER 2023 TAKES OFF IN CLARK

By

Vince Lopez

THE second version of Cope Thunder 2023 was officially launched on Friday on by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

Maj. Gen. Augustine Malinit, chief of the Air Defense Command, was guest of honor and speaker at the opening ceremony.

The US was represented Brig. Gen.

Sarah Russ, mobilization assistant to the director of strategy, plans, programs, and requirements of the Pacific Air Forces.

On hand to welcome Russ was Brig. Gen. Leo Fontanilla, commander of the PAF’s 5th Fighter Wing.

Col. Thomas Ryan Seguin, exercise director of Cope Thunder PH 23-2, presented the participants.

In his remarks, Malinit expressed gratitude for the successful execution of the first phase of this bilateral military exercise, codenamed Cope Thunder 231, which was held last May. the grey list of the FATF’s ‘Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring’ of countries that failed to show tangible and positive progress in addressing all key recommended actions in the Third Mutual Evaluation Report (MER),” the EO said.

Malinit underscored the exercise’s significance in mission planning capabilities, execution of defensive and offensive counter-air operations utilizing fighter and cargo aircraft.

Malinit affirmed that Cope Thunder 23-2 is an opportunity to assimilate forces and augment interoperability between the Philippines and the U.S.

The EO said the strategy will ensure that the country exits the FATF grey list. Additionally, it will also allow the Philippines to address the International Cooperation Review Group.

Malacanang said it was imperative to adopt a new national strategy for 20232028 with the expiration of the NACS for 2018-2022 under EO No. 68, s. 2018.

OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino on Saturday welcomed the commitment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to improve the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital’s facilities and staffing in Pampanga.

The DMW made the pledge on the heels of criticisms by Senator Raffy Tulfo on the hospital’s alleged sloppy service.

“Our dedicated OFWs deserve our utmost respect and care. By prioritizing the improvement and expansion of the OFW Hospital’s services, while enhancing its promotion and accessibility, we can create a healthcare system that genuinely serves and supports our modern-day heroes,” Magsino told the Manila Standard.

At the same time, Magsino said her group will work closely with the DMW and the Department of Health to ensure the upgrades of facilities and equipment of the OFW Hospital. Maricel V. Cruz

In Brief

Gabriela Wants Heads To Roll Over Nbi Dance

ASSISTANT Minority Leader and Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas on Saturday pushed for an investigation of the sexy dance number right after the National Bureau of Investigation’s command conference, especially as the bureau handles gender-based violence and harassment cases.

“Hindi sapat na magsorry lang si NBI chief Medardo De Lemos sa nangyaring sexy dance number matapos ang NBI command conference. Dapat may managot. We need an independent and thorough investigation on the matter,” Brosas said in a statement.

“What’s further infuriating about the NBI scandal is that the bureau is the one legally mandated to handle sex scandal cases victimizing women, as well as cases of online sexual exploitation of children,” she said.

Brosas said she would file a resolution to probe the incident. She appealed to the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality to act on the resolution as soon as it is filed. Maricel V. Cruz and Gabriellea B. Parino