Ang Pahayagan

AURORA — The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has been recognized by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) for its vital contribution to the Philippines’ successful removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

The recognition, given as the AMLC nears its 25th founding anniversary in 2026, highlights APECO’s commitment to transparency and accountability under the leadership of President and CEO Gil G. Taway IV.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. personally handed the award to PCEO Taway during a ceremony held on October 23, 2025, at the BSP Assembly Hall. The event honored partner agencies whose cooperation and reforms have strengthened the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) framework.

According to the AMLC, APECO’s proactive initiatives were instrumental in aligning local operations with international compliance standards. The recognition serves as a testament to the ecozone’s transformation under Taway’s “redemption-to-resurgence” leadership, signaling renewed investor confidence in APECO’s integrity and governance reforms.

Since assuming office in October 2023, Taway has implemented far-reaching measures to promote good governance, including enhanced transparency systems, policy reforms, and the adoption of international best practices. These steps supported the Philippines’ compliance with Immediate Outcome 3 under the National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Coordinating Committee (NACC), which evaluates the effectiveness of supervision and preventive actions across various sectors.

One of APECO’s most notable reforms was the strategic policy shift away from online gaming and gambling, redirecting focus toward national security, energy security, food security, tourism, and community development.

“The recognition from AMLC reinforces our commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability,” said Taway. “APECO’s transformation is driven by our goal to become a trusted hub for industrial and commercial growth while uplifting the communities we serve.”

Taway also emphasized that the agency’s development agenda is rooted in inclusive growth and sustainable progress, particularly benefiting indigenous peoples and marginalized groups within Aurora Province.

The Philippines’ removal from the FATF Grey List in 2025 marked a major step forward in restoring investor confidence and strengthening financial integrity. The country had been under increased monitoring since 2021 due to identified deficiencies in its AML/CTF regime. Following comprehensive legislative and institutional reforms — with APECO among the contributing agencies — the FATF confirmed full compliance and cleared the Philippines from the list.

It can be recalled that a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) once operated within APECO until it ceased activities in 2024, in line with Taway’s strong stance against gambling operations in the ecozone.

APECO expressed its gratitude to the AMLC for the recognition and reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to uphold global standards of ethical governance, transparency, and inclusive development, positioning the ecozone as a key gateway to the Pacific and a model for responsible economic growth. (Jason de Asis)

📸 APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV greets BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. during the AMLC’s 24th anniversary celebration. The AMLC honored APECO for its role in helping the Philippines exit the FATF grey list through reforms promoting transparency and accountability. (Jason de Asis)