The Court of Appeals has issued a second freeze order covering more assets of individuals and private contractors under investigation for anomalous flood-control projects, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said late Friday.
“The sheer magnitude of assets involved reflects the alarming scope of corruption tied to these flood control projects,” AMLC Executive Director Matthew David said.
“This freeze order marks another step toward the filing of appropriate civil and criminal cases against those found to have laundered illicit proceeds,” he added.
The new CA order covered 592 bank accounts, three insurance policies, 73 motor vehicles and 18 real properties.
On Tuesday, the CA also froze 135 bank accounts and 27 insurance policies linked to 26 former and incumbent DPWH officials and personnel as well as private contractors.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon earlier asked the AMLC to file an ex-parte petition with the CA for a freeze order on the bank accounts and assets of DPWH officials and private contractors.
Dizon said the request was a direct response to the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos to hold accountable those behind substandard and even “ghost” flood-control projects.
“The purpose of this measure is to temporarily preserve these monetary instruments or properties, thereby preventing their owners from utilizing them while the State prepares to build its case, potentially file civil forfeiture proceedings, and/or prosecute the individuals and entities involved. This preemptive action is crucial to prevent the disposal of assets and to ensure that government efforts to combat corruption and money laundering are not thwarted,” Dizon said.
