AMLC Freezes Bank Accounts of Individuals Linked to Flood Control Controversy

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has imposed freeze orders on the bank accounts of multiple individuals involved in the flood control scandal, as disclosed by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday.

This development came shortly after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recommended the filing of charges with the Department of Justice (DOJ). Speaking during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, Secretary Remulla detailed the swift response from the DOJ upon receiving the NBI’s recommendation, which was formally treated as a complaint.

"We contacted the AMLC and provided them with a digital file containing the details of the case. The AMLC acted promptly since there was already a filed complaint with the Department of Justice," Remulla explained.

He further stated, "Given this, I believe that the AMLC has already issued freeze orders on the bank accounts of several individuals."

Among those named by the NBI are Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy Co, former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, and former Caloocan Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon. Their assets are now subject to the freeze orders as the investigation proceeds.