The government has moved decisively against alleged corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), with the Court of Appeals issuing a freeze order on the bank accounts and assets of individuals tied to questionable flood control projects in Bulacan. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed on Tuesday, September 16, that 135 bank accounts and 27 insurance policies are now under a freeze order following his request to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
The announcement was made in a press briefing at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), where Secretary Dizon appeared with AMLC Executive Director Atty. Matthew David and BSP General Counsel Atty. Roberto Figueroa. Dizon explained that the move was made in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure public funds are safeguarded and recovered. He stressed that accountability does not end with dismissals or criminal cases, adding, “The President’s instruction is clear: the people’s money must be returned.”
The DPWH chief said he personally met with AMLC officials on Monday, September 15, to request their assistance in tracking and securing the assets of those accused of benefitting from the anomalous projects. The request was anchored on the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), which empowers authorities to hold funds linked to suspicious or unlawful activities, including money laundering and the use of fictitious accounts to disguise illicit transactions.
Executive Director David confirmed that the freeze order had already been granted by the Court of Appeals, ensuring that assets cannot be withdrawn or transferred while investigations are ongoing. The BSP, under AFASA, retains sole authority to monitor and probe financial irregularities, giving assurance that the frozen assets remain intact as the probe deepens.
The BSP also pledged to cooperate fully with DPWH and AMLC in examining possible money-laundering operations tied to the scandal. Secretary Dizon expressed confidence that with the support of financial regulators, the government will be able to reclaim funds intended for flood control infrastructure, which should have benefited vulnerable communities rather than lining the pockets of corrupt individuals.
