THE Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has secured the forfeiture of P3.12 million linked to alleged corruption involving an attempt to prevent a lawmaker from investigating government projects.
In a statement on Thursday, AMLC said the money was allegedly offered to a lawmaker in exchange for refraining from pursuing investigations into the projects.
“The respondent, a government officer, allegedly attempted to dissuade the lawmaker from pursuing the investigation by offering him the money,” AMLC said.
“The lawmaker refused the offer and sought police assistance, resulting in the respondent’s arrest,” it added.
AMLC said that a complaint was filed against the respondent for corruption of public officials and violation of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The recovered funds were allegedly sourced from a contractor and intended as an initial payment to the lawmaker.
The Regional Trial Court of Batangas, in a decision dated Oct. 9, found sufficient basis to conclude that the money was related to an unlawful activity, justifying its forfeiture in favor of the government, the AMLC said.
However, the decision has yet to attain finality and remains subject to appeal.
The AMLC pursued the civil forfeiture case through the Office of the Solicitor General, seeking the recovery of funds linked to the alleged unlawful activity.
Civil forfeiture proceedings allow the government to seek the recovery of assets connected to unlawful activities.
“The successful forfeiture underscores the importance of sustained interagency coordination in tracing, preserving and recovering proceeds linked to corruption and other unlawful activities,” AMLC said.
“The AMLC assures the public that it will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies, government institutions and other partner agencies to prevent the misuse of the financial system, recover illicit proceeds, promote accountability in public service and strengthen public trust in government institutions,” it added.
