AMLC secures 6th freeze order in flood control mess probe

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) announced Friday it secured a sixth freeze order from the Court of Appeals (CA) on the assets tied to individuals and companies under investigation in relation to the flood control projects corruption scandal.

In a statement, the AMLC said it obtained the latest freeze order on October 10, 2025, which it described as marking a "significant step forward in its investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control infrastructure projects."

The latest freeze order, the council said, covers 39 bank accounts, four insurance policies, and 59 real estate properties, including residential, commercial, and agricultural assets. 

The AMLC noted that several of the latest frozen properties are linked to a former high-ranking government official who is being suspected as playing a central role in the procurement process of the questioned flood control project contracts.

The latest freeze order brought the total amount of frozen assets to P4.67 billion and is expected to rise as additional orders are secured and new leads are uncovered.

To date, the anti-dirty money body said, the appellate court has already frozen 1,671 bank accounts, 58 insurance policies, 163 motor vehicles, 99 real properties, and 12 e-wallet accounts. 

"We are taking deliberate actions to preserve assets potentially linked to unlawful activity," said AMLC Executive Director Matthew David. 

"Our focus remains on ensuring that public funds are protected and that those involved are held accountable through lawful and transparent processes," said David.

The AMLC said it is working in close coordination with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the National Bureau of Investigation. 

The council said the multi-agency effort includes a review of individuals and entities flagged during recent Senate hearings, underscoring the government's commitment to a thorough and impartial inquiry. — VDV, GMA Integrated News