The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) announced on Thursday that assets worth ₱5.2 billion have been frozen following the issuance of the sixth freeze order by the Court of Appeals (CA) in connection with the ongoing probe into alleged irregularities in several flood control projects.
The latest order covers 39 bank accounts, four insurance policies, and 59 real estate properties.
Since the first freeze order was issued on September 16, the AMLC has frozen a total of 1,671 bank accounts, 58 insurance policies, 163 motor vehicles, 99 real properties, and 12 e-wallet accounts, all allegedly linked to the corruption-tainted flood control works.
AMLC Executive Director Matthew David said that while he cannot disclose the names of those whose assets were frozen, they include former DPWH officials, contractors, and their associates suspected of involvement in the anomalous infrastructure projects.
When asked whether money laundering activities were detected before the issuance of the freeze orders, David explained that the Court of Appeals had authorized the AMLC to conduct bank inquiries into the accounts in question.
He added that once the inquiries are completed, bank investigators will submit a report on the financial activities of the account holders—particularly noting any large withdrawals made after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered the investigation into corruption within government infrastructure projects.