AMLC secures another freeze order vs lawmaker over possible plunder case

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Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said Thursday it secured a freeze order from the Court of Appeals covering bank accounts and other ...

MANILA – The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said Thursday it secured a freeze order from the Court of Appeals covering bank accounts and other properties owned by a lawmaker and a businessman who previously served as a government official.

The court issued the order on Nov. 9 after finding probable cause to believe the lawmaker may have received economic benefits from alleged plunder and violations of the Republic Act (RA) 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), the AMLC said in a news release.

The court likewise found probable cause to believe the businessman may have engaged in wrongdoing, citing his alleged role in awarding the contracts and a marked increase in his financial activity during the period.

The AMLC’s petition stemmed from a complaint filed by the Office of the Ombudsman against the two individuals for alleged violations of Republic Act (RA) 7080, the law against plunder, and RA 3019.

The complaint centers on the alleged award of exclusive contracts to corporations associated with the lawmaker while the businessman was in public office.

“The AMLC’s investigation revealed extensive fund transfers between the lawmaker’s personal accounts and those of the corporations, indicating a direct financial connection between the lawmaker and the entities involved,” the council said.

Investigators also uncovered substantial and complex transactions involving the businessman during his government tenure.

The AMLC said his financial activity increased notably when numerous contracts were awarded to corporations linked to the lawmaker.

In a separate case, the AMLC filed a petition for civil forfeiture on Oct. 23 involving assets allegedly linked to another legislator facing plunder charges and a holding company reportedly established for the legislator’s benefit.

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