BOC's strict border controls remove PH from FATF Gray List

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) played a key role in removing the Philippines from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Gray List.

Under Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, the BOC implemented strict border control measures, including deploying cash-sniffing dogs and upgrading baggage scanning systems, leading to a 455-fold increase in currency declarations and 194 cash seizures in 2024 alone.

On February 21, 2025, the FATF announced that the Philippines was no longer under increased monitoring due to improved financial safeguards against money laundering and terrorist financing.

The BOC also intensified capacity-building initiatives for customs personnel and enhanced intelligence-sharing with other agencies, training staff on AML/CTF protocols and improving detection of undeclared currency.

These reforms significantly bolstered enforcement actions, reflecting stronger compliance among travelers and financial entities.

With these measures in place, the Philippines has reinforced its financial security and remains compliant with international regulations.