APG completes productive visit to Philippines

The Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) successfully convened its second Regional Mutual Evaluation Preparation (R-MEP) Workshop in the Philippines from 21 to 23 April 2026, bringing together 30 participants from seven member jurisdictions and two supporting observers—ADB and UNODC. Opened by APG Co-Chair Mr. Mitsutoshi Kajikawa, the workshop underscores APG’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional preparedness for upcoming mutual evaluations. Participants represented jurisdictions scheduled for assessment over the next two years, highlighting the timeliness and importance of this initiative. 

The R-MEP Workshop provided targeted support to Mutual Evaluation (ME) coordinators and national preparation teams, equipping them with practical tools and strategies for effective evaluation planning. Delivered by the APG Secretariat and expert trainers from Malaysia and the Philippines, the program combined technical presentations with a hands-on workbook, case studies, and group exercises. 

Participants worked collaboratively to: 

• Identify key national stakeholders 
• Prioritise strategic recommendations 
• Enhance inter-agency coordination 
• Develop structured, timely preparation plans 

This practical and peer-driven approach helps ensure jurisdictions are well-positioned to demonstrate effectiveness across all assessment areas. The APG extends its appreciation to Japan and New Zealand for their generous voluntary contributions, which supported both participants and expert presenters. The Secretariat also thanks the Philippines for its financial and in-kind support in hosting and delivering the workshop. The Secretariat further thanks the Philippines and Malaysia for providing expert presenters to the R-MEP, who offered valuable insights on the Global 5th Round to the workshop participants. 

Philippines prepares for its mutual evaluation 

Alongside the R-MEP, the APG Secretariat also delivered a Preliminary Mutual Evaluation Preparation (P-MEP) visit to support the Philippines in preparing for its mutual evaluation, scheduled to begin in 2027. 

P-MEPs are a new feature under the APG Global Fifth Round Procedures and are designed to facilitate early engagement between the APG Secretariat and APG members. These visits help jurisdictions prepare for the mutual evaluation (ME) process by clarifying expectations, strengthening domestic coordination and identifying key priorities ahead of the formal assessment. 

The Philippines P-MEP was held on 20th and 24th April 2026 and was one of the first P-MEPs delivered as part of the APG Global 5th Round. 

Across the two days, the APG Secretariat met with ME lead agencies, supervisors, law enforcement, the private sector, legislators and other oversight bodies. Discussions were focused on clarifying roles and expectations for coordinating immediate outcomes and maintaining a coherent national response. 

Discussions also covered broader preparations for the ME, including AML/CTF/CPF priorities across the agencies and the importance of sustained engagement during the ME process from the government and the private sector. 

APG Deputy Executive Secretary Ms Suzie White, who led discussions at the PMEP, highlighted the strong commitment shown by the Philippines: 

“Our visit confirmed the Philippines’ strong commitment to achieving a positive mutual evaluation outcome during the Global 5th Round. It also reinforced a shared message across the public and private sectors: ‘Grey List, never again’.” 

The visit highlighted the value of early preparation and proactive engagement in supporting a successful ME process. It also highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to a coordinated national response ahead of its ME in 2027.