Appeals court freezes 25 bank accounts of sitting lawmaker in flood control probe
MANILA, Philippines — The Court of Appeals has frozen the assets of an unnamed "prominent incumbent legislator" over their alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects.
The freeze order, issued on April 23, also covers the assets of an unidentified business associate and a corporate entity linked to the lawmaker.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council, which petitioned for the order, said in its statement Friday, April 25, that the court found probable cause to link their assets to plunder, direct and indirect bribery, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
"The filing of this Petition for Freeze Order underscores the AMLC's continuous commitment to uphold public accountability and protecting the integrity of the Philippine financial system," AMLC Executive Director Atty. Ronel U. Buenaventura said.
Under the legislator's name alone, the freeze order covers 25 bank accounts and 10 insurance policies, according to the AMLC.
The business associate's frozen assets include 27 bank accounts, 10 insurance policies, and one investment account.
Two bank accounts, seven property accounts, and one real estate property registered under the corporate entity were likewise frozen.
The AMLC said it has filed 12 petitions for civil forfeiture before various Regional Trial Courts against properties linked to the flood control anomalies. Those properties are currently locked down through Provisional Asset Preservation Orders, which bar their transfer, disposal, or movement while the forfeiture cases are pending, according to the council.
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