‘AMLC failed to apply for freeze order on generals’ bank accounts’

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has not lifted a finger in investigating the bank accounts of the five police generals accused by President Rodrigo Duterte of involvement in illegal drug operations, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said on Wednesday.

Aguirre said the AMLC could sought the freezing of the bank accounts of the generals while they are being investigated but no action was taken by the body.

“They [AMLC] can apply for a freeze order. I don’t know why they did not,” he said.

Part of AMLC’s mandate is to investigate on its own initiative suspicious transactions and covered transactions. It is also allowed by law, specifically the Anti-Money Laundering Law to apply before the Court of Appeals an ex parte (an application of one party alone) petition for the freezing of any monetary instrument or property alleged laundered or proceeds from unlawful activities.

The AMLC, early this month, has forwarded to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) bank documents related to the five police generals after Duterte gave them an ultimatum.

Aguirre said the NBI made the request to the AMLC as early as September 19 but only gave the documents after Duterte’s warning two months after.

He added that the date in the cover letter of the document was handwritten.

“It means it [the document] is already ready but for some reason they [AMLC] have not submitted it to us until the President made that speech,” Aguirre said.

On the NBI’s 22-month-old request to the AMLC, Aguirre said it has complied but only partially.

“We are still waiting for them to respond,” he said.

After Duterte issued the warning, AMLC met with Aguirre and committed to meet with him on a regular basis but after their meeting immediately after President’s warning, the Justice Chief said the body has yet to meet with him again.

READ: After earning Duterte ire, AMLC responds swiftly to DOJ request

Aguirre last Tuesday said he is already studying the possibility of filing an obstruction of justice case against AMLC members. He also said that two of the its ranking officials—the second in command to the Executive Director and its Chief Investigator—are fraternity brothers of Senator Leila De Lima.

READ: Aguirre eyes obstruction of justice complaint against AMLC

The AMLC is housed within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. It is chaired by BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr., its members include heads of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Insurance Commission. Its executive director is Julia Bacay-Abad. RAM