Philippines Cracks Down on Alleged Corruption: AMLC Freezes Assets Linked to Flood Control Project Anomalies
Manila, Philippines – The anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) today announced it has frozen the assets of individuals and corporations suspected of involvement in irregularities surrounding flood control projects undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The move, authorized by the Court of Appeals, targets 135 bank accounts and 27 insurance policies.
AMLC Executive Director Atty. matthew David revealed the freeze order was issued following a request from the DPWH on September 12th. While the total value of the frozen assets remains undisclosed - banks have 24 hours to report account details – the action signals a significant escalation in the government’s efforts to combat corruption.
“The purpose of the freeze order is only to prove that these accounts… are related to unlawful activity, notably, in this case, corruption,” David explained during a briefing in Manila. He further stated that the AMLC intends to pursue civil forfeiture cases to recover the assets and potentially file separate money laundering charges.
Key Individuals and Companies Targeted
The DPWH request to the AMLC implicated 26 individuals already facing graft complaints with the Office of the Ombudsman. These include former DPWH officials:
* Henry Alcantara (former OIC-Assistant Regional Director)
* Brice Ericson Hernandez (former OIC District Engineer)
* Jaypee Mendoza (former OIC-Assistant District engineer)
* John Michael Ramos (Construction Section chief)
* Ernesto Galang (Planning and Design Section)
the list also includes a number of other DPWH personnel and contractors, including representatives from St. Timothy Construction Corp., wawao Builders, SYMS Construction Trading, and IM Construction Corp.
Notably, several of those named are associated with the so-called “Bulacan Group of Contractors,” or “BGC Boys,” a group previously identified by Senator panfilo Lacson as allegedly profiting from questionable fund disbursements between 2023 and 2025.
Broader Investigation Underway
this action represents the “first batch” of asset freezes, according to DPWH Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon, with more individuals and companies potentially facing similar measures in the coming weeks and months.
The AMLC is coordinating with the Office of the Ombudsman, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate financial transactions related to the anomalous projects. Authorities are also investigating potential pre-freeze asset withdrawals, aiming to recover any funds already moved.
“The fight is not yet over,” Dizon stated, “but this is a big deal because our countrymen can be assured that we are beginning the process of recovering the money stolen by these people.”
Focus on Anti-Money Laundering
The AMLC’s actions are rooted in its mandate to combat money laundering and ensure the Philippines is not used as a haven for illicit funds.This case underscores the government’s commitment to upholding the integrity of public funds and prosecuting those involved in corruption.
Keywords: Philippines, AMLC, Anti-Money Laundering, Corruption, DPWH, Flood control projects, Asset Freeze, graft, Ombudsman, Money Laundering, BGC Boys, Vince Dizon, Matthew David.
