Photo credit: DPWH

The bank accounts of those involved in the controversial flood control projects in Bulacan province have been frozen. This was confirmed by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince B. Dizon, who announced the news at a press briefing with officials from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).

In a swift move following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Secretary Dizon met with AMLC Executive Director Atty. Matthew M. David on Monday to request assistance in holding the bank accounts of those connected to the scandal.

According to Executive Director David, the Court of Appeals has already issued a Freeze Order for 135 bank accounts and 27 insurance policies belonging to several individuals identified in the DPWH’s request.

This action is based on the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), which gives the BSP the authority to monitor and investigate fraud-related activities and freeze funds suspected to be from illegal sources. The goal is to keep these assets intact while a thorough investigation is underway.

Secretary Dizon stated that the President's instructions were clear and strict: "It's not enough to be fired. It's not enough to be charged and jailed. The President’s order is that the people's money must be returned." He emphasized his belief that with the help of the AMLC, the government will be able to recover the money that should have benefited the public.

For its part, the BSP expressed its full support for the DPWH's request to look into potential "money muling" activities by the individuals already facing charges with the Office of the Ombudsman.