CA issues 20-day freeze order on car theft gang leaders’ bank accounts

Raymond Dominguez. INQUIRER/LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines – The Court of Appeals has issued a 20-day freeze order on the bank accounts of brothers Raymond and Roger Dominguez, who allegedly headed a car theft syndicate.

“After a careful and judicious examination, the petition for the issuance of a freeze order is justified by a finding here of probable case,” the court’s second division said in its 13-page resolution authored by Associate Justice Michael P. Elbinias.

Concurring in the order were Associate Justices Remedios A. Salazar-Fernando and Celia C. Librea-Leagogo.

“Wherefore, a freeze order is hereby issued, effective immediately and for a period of twenty (20) days, freezing the bank accounts, deposits, and all related web of accounts and deposits under the names of Raymond S. Dominguez, Roger S. Dominguez…” said the resolution, which in effect granted the petition of the Anti-Money Laundering Cancel (AMLC).

Among the accounts included are deposits under the names of Enrique Carl G. Lopez, Megalizer Agri Products, Inc., Benigno Buzon Victorino, Myvanwy C. Magsino, Leopoldo H. Dominguez, Vicenta S. Dominguez, Betty Dominguez, Angeline Samonte-Yap (AKA Katrina Paula), Athens Samonte-Yap and Jayson Miranda in BDO, Unibank, Metrobank, BPI, Development Bank of the Philippines, Planters Development Bank and several others.

“Pursuant to Rules 10.3a and 10.3b of the Implementing Rules, immediately upon receipt of this freeze order, BDO, Unibank, Metrobank, Planter Bank and BPI are directed to freeze the subject bank accounts, and to furnish the owners and/or holders of such bank accounts, deposits and all related web of accounts and deposits with a copy of the notice of the freeze order,” the appeals court said.

The banks mentioned are also ordered to submit within 24 hours from receipt of the order a complete return on the Freeze Order showing compliance with the appeals court directive.

The Dominguez brothers are facing a string of criminal complaints, including the death of Emerson Lozano, son of lawyer Oliver Lozano, and car dealer Venson Evangelista early this year.