The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has denied allegations that it was slow to act on alleged irregularities in flood control projects. AMLC Executive Director Matthew David said they have obtained three freeze orders from the Court of Appeals in recent weeks.
The latest order includes the freezing of 836 bank accounts, 12 e-wallets, 24 insurance policies, 81 vehicles and 12 properties. In total, about P2.9 billion was prevented from being transferred or hidden. Two previous orders covered more than 1,500 bank accounts, 54 insurance policies, 154 vehicles, 30 properties and 12 e-wallets.
According to the report, several banks, including a state-run bank, were implicated in the transfer of suspicious funds. In addition, the Commission on Audit also filed four additional fraud audit reports against several DPWH officials and contractors.
The projects under investigation include a P92.7 million flood control in Baliuag, a P92.7 million project in Pulilan, a P69.5 million riverbank protection in Plaridel, and a P96.5 million riverwall in Baliuag — all of which have been paid for but not built.
Meanwhile, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon appointed new officials to strengthen the agency's leadership.
