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The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), the Philippines’ primary agency responsible for implementing anti-money laundering laws and combating terrorism financing, told senators on September 15, 2025, that the ₱125 million set aside in the proposed 2026 budget for its cybersecurity and database systems would not be enough to procure ICT & blockchain tools vital for its operations.
During the Senate Committee on Finance Subcommittee A hearing, presided over by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, AMLC Executive Director Matthew David said the ₱125 million allocation includes funding for blockchain technology that AMLC plans to use in investigating money laundering and terrorism financing involving virtual assets.
David said the amount covers maintenance of existing systems such as databases, firewalls, and analytics software but falls short of what is needed to acquire blockchain tools.
In response to Senator Panfilo Lacson’s inquiry, David said they aim to procure the software by next year.
“What’s being procured is an ICT software, Mr. Chair, where we will have access to use that software in order for our investigators to investigate virtual assets that are part of our investigation for money laundering and terrorism.”
Atty. Matthew David, Executive Director, Anti-Money Laundering Council
He explained that the blockchain tool is essential for tracking suspicious activity involving cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets, noting that AMLC received about 34 million transaction reports from covered institutions last year, highlighting the need for more advanced tools to process and analyze data.
Moreover, the AMLC is seeking an additional ₱32.55 million to cover software subscriptions, training, and management services.
“The procurement of this ICT project also involves management services and training. That’s why we need this budget that we are proposing for the procurement of blockchain tools.”
Atty. Matthew David, Executive Director, Anti-Money Laundering Council
David said these are critical to maintaining a secure and stable database for financial intelligence operations.
Senators acknowledged the budget gap and asked the AMLC to submit a position paper to justify restoring its original request of ₱333.1 million when the House version of the spending bill reaches the Senate.
Conversely, on September 11, during a House Committee on Appropriations hearing, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda told lawmakers that rolling out blockchain for government transparency could cost up to ₱1 billion, though a final proposal with precise figures is still being prepared. He said the technology would strengthen budget accountability and that the potential benefits outweigh the investment.
Other Budget Requests
The AMLC also allocated funding for activities tied to the Financial Action Task Force, after the Philippines was removed from the FATF gray list in February. The agency, serving as secretariat of the National AML/CTF Coordinating Council, is tasked with implementing the 2023–2027 national strategy against money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing.
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Another priority is the prosecution of financial crimes. David said AMLC seeks ₱23 million in confidential funds to support investigations and intelligence-gathering, warning that inadequate funding could compromise national security.
David added the Commission on Audit consistently gave the AMLC an unmodified opinion on its financial statements from 2020 to 2024. This, he explained, shows the agency has sound fiscal management.
Blockchain Initiatives in PH Government
In July, the Department of Budget and Management launched a blockchain-based platform that makes key budget documents, including Special Allotment Release Orders and Notices of Cash Allocation, publicly accessible and tamper-proof on the Polygon blockchain.
Earlier this month, Baguio City adopted GoodGovChain, a blockchain-powered governance platform by BayaniChain that records budgets, procurement data, and infrastructure projects on an immutable ledger to promote transparency and accountability. Built on BayaniChain’s Digital Public Asset Framework, the system is designed for nationwide scalability, giving citizens verifiable access to public records while protecting sensitive data.
In 2024, the DICT launched eGOVchain, a government blockchain aimed at improving transparency, security, and efficiency in public transactions.
In the same year, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) explored blockchain integration to strengthen transparency and efficiency in its services.
In addition, lawmakers in both chambers of Congress also filed multiple bills seeking to place government operations and the national budget on blockchain platforms, aiming to enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust.
- Senator Bam Aquino filed the “Blockchain the Budget Bill” to put the government’s budget and financial transactions on blockchain.
- Ilocos Norte Representative Angelo Marcos Barba filed House Bill 4075 to institutionalize blockchain for all government operations, citing accountability and efficiency.
- Negros Occidental Representative Javi Benitez filed House Bill 4380 to create a National Budget Blockchain System for transparency and citizen participation.
- Representative Brian Poe filed House Bill 4489 to mandate blockchain use for the national budget, ensuring immutable and publicly accessible records.
This article is published on BitPinas: AMLC Requests 125M For Blockchain Procurement, Cybersecurity Enhancement
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