Malacañang has urged prompt investigations into alleged anomalies and the freezing of corruption-linked assets, following the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' admission that the country risks returning to the Financial Action Task Force 'gray list' due to corruption issues.
On February 10, 2026, Malacañang emphasized the need for swift action against corruption to avoid returning to the Financial Action Task Force's gray list. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas highlighted that recent multibillion-peso scandals in flood control projects pose this risk. The Philippines had been removed from the gray list last year after reforms strengthened measures against money laundering and terrorism financing.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stressed the importance of freezing assets of those involved in corruption. "The freezing of assets is also important. The assets of whoever is involved in corruption should be frozen," she said during a press briefing. She added that the Anti-Money Laundering Council could initiate its own investigation and petition the Court of Appeals.
In response, the President ordered probes to cleanse the country of corruption. Castro assured that the Marcos Jr. administration is serious about fighting graft, and lawmakers could bolster anti-money laundering laws if needed.
Meanwhile, the Sandiganbayan deferred the arraignment of former Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. and others in a malversation case tied to a P76 million unbuilt project. Co-accused pleaded not guilty. Separately, the Department of Justice is set to rule soon on complaints against Sen. Joel Villanueva related to flood control projects.