Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has criticized the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) over what he described as its slow handling of cases, warning that the delays allegedly allow certain individuals to profit.
In an interview, Remulla said he is closely looking into AMLA’s practices, particularly what he referred to as “freeze and float,” which he claimed has become problematic.
“May isa pa akong naging problema. Ang isang problema na tinitingnan ko ngayon itong Anti-Money Laundering… kasi parang ginagawa nilang opportunity para kumita. Pino-float na lang nila ‘yung pera, freeze and float,” Remulla said.
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito agreed with the Ombudsman’s observation: “Nag-take advantage… tama.”
Remulla further said the agency’s pace has been consistently slow, pointing to deeper issues within the organization.
“May problema tayo. Its taking them a long term again. Bumabagal ang phase ng Anti-Money Laundering… ‘yung AMLA hindi ‘yung council lang pero ‘yung AMLA mismo… executive director down, ‘yung board… may problema tayo, ang bagal, too slow,” Remulla added.
“‘Yun nga ang problema, they’re very slow in doing it.”
The Ombudsman also claimed that aside from being slow, AMLA allegedly lacks thorough analysis in handling cases.
“Sasabit nila lahat, hindi naman nila na-analyze talaga. Mabagal silang mag-analyze. Ayaw nilang komonsulta sa ibang tao, sila-sila lang,” Remulla said.
According to him, decisions could be made faster if AMLA coordinated more closely with his office and the Department of Justice.
Remulla also recalled a previous meeting with the agency that ended in frustration.
“Nagkaroon kami ng meeting sa opisina… pero after five minutes tumayo na ako kasi dissapointed ako sa AMLA… Anti-Money Laundering Authorities,” he added.