Triumph of Integrity: CBN Asia Honored at Malacañang as the Philippines Exits FATF Grey List

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In a momentous stride toward global financial credibility, the Philippines has officially been removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List—a milestone marked by a historic national recognition ceremony at Malacañang Palace. Among the 200 honorees, CBN Asia—the faith-driven media ministry behind The 700 Club Asia and Superbook—stood out, a beacon of integrity amid a sea of institutions honored for their role in this unprecedented national achievement.

Presided over by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the ceremony awarded 29 heads of government agencies with plaques of recognition, acknowledging their crucial roles in the nation’s reinvigorated financial vigilance. In the presence of state leaders, CBN Asia emerged as a compelling testament that even nonprofit and faith-based organizations can play a pivotal role in upholding transparency, trust, and good governance.

A Ministry on a Mission—Recognized at the Highest Level

Representing CBN Asia at the prestigious event was President and CEO Peter Kairuz, who accepted the plaque of recognition with humility and honor. Joining him were Malou Ibañez, Vice President for Administration, and Danilo Camerino, Senior Director for Finance, who both received individual certificates of recognition for their roles in ensuring the organization's financial integrity.

“As a non-profit organization, the award speaks about CBN Asia’s integrity—about our commitment to cooperate with our government in the best way we can,” said Kairuz. “We are here to be good citizens, be good stewards of what the Lord has entrusted to us.”

This declaration of stewardship was more than just ceremonial—it was deeply spiritual and symbolically powerful. In a climate where faith-based institutions are often sidelined in discussions about governance and reform, CBN Asia’s recognition from the nation’s highest office serves as a profound affirmation: that integrity transcends sectors and that morality can, and should, have a seat at the table of national development.

Beyond the Ceremony: What the Grey List Exit Means

The FATF Grey List is reserved for countries identified to have strategic deficiencies in their systems for countering money laundering and terrorist financing. Being delisted is not merely a feather in the nation’s cap—it is a transformative leap in the eyes of the international community.

Exiting the list brings far-reaching benefits:

Renewed trust from global investors

Increased economic opportunities for Filipino businesses

Lower remittance costs for OFWs, who remain the lifeblood of the Philippine economy

A stronger, more credible financial infrastructure

For a nonprofit like CBN Asia, the implications are deeply resonant. The recognition affirms that their financial practices meet the highest standards of accountability—strengthening donor confidence and reaffirming their commitment to responsible resource management.

“CBN Asia was honored, but we were there on behalf of our nation,” said Ibañez. “By the grace of God, we were part of this achievement. It was truly a great honor.”

Stewardship and Transformation: A Divine Partnership

CBN Asia’s honor is not just a reward; it is a responsibility. As the country enters a new chapter of financial credibility, organizations like CBN Asia become torchbearers of ethical governance. Their work in media evangelism is underpinned by an equally strong foundation in accountability—showing that faith and finance, when guided by principles, can move a nation forward.

Through its globally recognized television programs and humanitarian efforts, CBN Asia has long inspired spiritual transformation. Now, it adds another layer to its mission: to inspire financial transparency and public trust as instruments of national progress.

This recognition does not signal an end, but a new beginning—a call for continued vigilance, faithfulness, and unity between government, civil society, and organizations that champion both faith and facts.

A Collective Victory, A Shared Calling

As the plaques and certificates were handed out, one truth became clear: the Philippines’ removal from the FATF Grey List was not the work of a few, but the victory of many. CBN Asia’s presence at Malacañang stands as a symbol that change is possible when diverse sectors—government, finance, and faith—work hand in hand.

In a world too often shaken by corruption and doubt, this moment reaffirms a greater truth: that integrity, when grounded in faith and action, can indeed transform a nation.

And CBN Asia? They’ll continue doing just that—one broadcast, one community, and one act of stewardship at a time.

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