PROJECT

Philippines – Millennium Challenge Account Threshold Program

2006-2009

The Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 authorized assistance to countries that enter into Compacts with the United States to support policies and programs for achieving lasting economic growth and poverty reduction. The Philippines Threshold Program, administered by USAID, was developed to help the Government of the Philippines meet the eligibility requirements for Compact funding through a series of targeted anti-corruption activities. Program components included assisting the Office of the Ombudsman, which has the authority to investigate and prosecute high-level government officials in its own courts, and improving compliance and enforcement at the country’s principal revenue collection agencies. As a subcontractor, Checchi provided long-term and short-term technical assistance to the Philippines Bureau of Customs to improve surveillance and information management, harmonize customs laws, and establish internal controls.