AMLC gets CA asset freeze order covering lawmaker, ex-official

MANILA, Philippines —  The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has secured a freeze order from the Court of Appeals covering bank accounts and other properties of a lawmaker and a former government official over alleged corruption involving government contracts.

In a statement yesterday, the AMLC said the appellate court issued the freeze order on Nov. 9 against the lawmaker and a businessman who previously held public office.

A freeze order temporarily prevents the withdrawal, transfer or disposal of covered assets suspected to be linked to unlawful activities. It does not constitute a finding of guilt.

The AMLC did not disclose the identities of the individuals or the value of the assets covered by the order.

The petition stemmed from a complaint filed by the Office of the Ombudsman against the two individuals for alleged violations of the Plunder Law and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

“The complaint is based on the alleged grant of exclusive contracts to corporations associated with the lawmaker during the businessman’s tenure in government,” the AMLC said.

According to the AMLC, its investigation uncovered extensive fund transfers between the lawmaker’s personal bank accounts and those of the corporations, establishing a financial connection between the parties.

Investigators also discovered substantial and complex transactions involving the businessman, whose financial activity increased significantly during the period when numerous contracts were awarded to companies linked to the lawmaker.

The Court of Appeals found probable cause to believe that the lawmaker may have benefited financially from the alleged unlawful activities.

The court also found probable cause to believe that the businessman participated in the alleged wrongdoing, citing his involvement in awarding the contracts and the increase in his financial transactions.

Separately, the AMLC said it filed a petition for civil forfeiture on Oct. 23 involving assets allegedly linked to another prominent legislator facing plunder charges.

The case involved alleged commissions, kickbacks and other benefits from government flood-control and infrastructure projects, which were reportedly concealed and invested through corporate entities and financial intermediaries.

Civil forfeiture is a legal process through which authorities seek the recovery of assets allegedly connected to unlawful activities.

“The AMLC is committed to combating corruption and will continue to work closely with its partner agencies in pursuing the recovery of assets that may be linked to unlawful activities, in accordance with the law,” it said.