Dizon taps AMLC, IC, PCC for flood fund recovery

Secretary Vince Dizon has announced that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Insurance Commission (IC), and Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) to expedite the recovery of stolen public funds from anomalous infrastructure transactions.

Dizon revealed the move following an “alignment meeting” on Thursday at the Department of Justice with newly appointed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, AMLC Executive Director Atty. Matthew David Berba­rabe, and officials of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI).

He said the partnership aims to accelerate ongoing and future cases already filed before the Office of the Ombudsman and ensure continuous inter-agency coordination.

Dizon emphasized that the goal is not only to pursue those involved in the alleged anomalies but also to ensure the restitution of public funds. The AMLC, in coordination with the ICI, will play a crucial role in tracing and recovering ill-gotten wealth.

“To date, there are already 1,600 bank accounts frozen amounting to more than P4 billion, and there will be more after the fifth batch of freeze orders,” Dizon said. “I think yesterday, the AMLC announced the fifth freeze order it secured from the Court of Appeals.”

After the bank account freezes, Dizon said the next step will focus on recovering properties linked to the anomalous transactions. This will be among the topics in their next meeting with the AMLC.