By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – The Court of Appeals (CA) has issued a freeze order on assets linked to a lawmaker under investigation for alleged “ghost” flood control projects, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said Friday.
In a statement, the AMLC said the CA issued the order on April 23, 2026, covering a sitting legislator, a business associate, and a corporate entity.
AMLC said the court found probable cause linking their assets to plunder, bribery, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
“The freeze order covers a wide range of assets including 25 bank accounts and ten insurance policies registered under the name of the said legislator. They also include 27 bank accounts, ten insurance policies, and one investment account under the name of the legislator’s alleged business associate; and two bank accounts, seven property accounts, and one real estate property registered under the name of the corporate entity,” the AMLC said.
The council did not identify the lawmaker. However, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said his office is awaiting the filing of a freeze order case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who has denied involvement in the flood control anomaly.
Remulla said possible cases are also being studied against former Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, with a request for similar AMLC action under consideration.
AMLC Executive Director lawyer Ronel Buenaventura said the filing of the petition for the freeze order underscores AMLC’s “continuous commitment to uphold public accountability and protecting the integrity of the Philippine financial system.”
A freeze order is a provisional remedy that preserves assets suspected to be linked to unlawful activity before a forfeiture case is filed.
The AMLC said it has filed 12 civil forfeiture petitions before various regional trial courts involving properties tied to the flood control anomalies.
These assets are currently covered by provisional asset preservation orders, which bar their transfer or disposal while cases are pending. (PNA)
