Senators Push for AMLC Presence in Casinos Following P950 Million Flood Control Fund Laundering Scheme
MANILA, Philippines – following the discovery of a P950 million money laundering scheme involving flood control projects, senators are calling for the stationing of Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) personnel directly within casinos to bolster monitoring and prevent similar incidents. The scheme, which occured between 2023 and 2025, allegedly saw funds diverted from flood control projects converted into casino chips and cashed out as winnings.
The brazen laundering operation, involving former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials Henry Alcantara, Brice hernandez, Japee Mendoza, and Arjay Domasig – nicknamed the “BGC Boys” by casino staff - underscores critical weaknesses in current anti-money laundering protocols. The incident highlights the vulnerability of the financial system to illicit funds and the potential for public funds to be siphoned off through casino channels. The four former DPWH employees have been dismissed and are facing criminal complaints.
Senator Erwin Tulfo, chair of the Senate’s games and amusement committee, has pointed to potential collusion within casinos, stating that compliance officers failed to report suspicious transactions to the AMLC. Gambling operators are legally required to conduct “Know Your Customer” (KYC) processes before a client’s first withdrawal to verify identity and assess risk.
AMLC Executive Director Amelia David explained the casino’s responsibility: “In this case, the casino and this designated compliance officer of our casinos are the ones in charge with monitoring the transactions of their players in the casino by conducting the appropriate due diligence, whether it’s enhanced due diligence or ordinary customer due diligence.”
The AMLC is also seeking to restore its budget to P333.1 million after it was reduced to P170 million in the proposed 2026 National Expenditure Program. David stated that restoring the budget is crucial for efficiently analyzing transaction reports and combating money laundering. The move to embed AMLC personnel within casinos aims to provide real-time oversight and strengthen the fight against financial crimes.
