The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) issued a freeze order on the assets of Senators Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, and AKO BICOL Party List Rep. Zaldy Co.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the recommendation of the NBI for prosecution and probably this is what AMLC followed for Senator Joel Villanueva, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, Congressman Elizaldy Co, former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, and former Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon assets to the freeze.

Remulla said cases of indirect bribery, malversation of public funds, and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt practices act will be filed against the mentioned personalities.

The DOJ is still looking into the case of Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana and his wife, Marilou, who is a contractor.

Meanwhile, AMLC Executive Director Matthew David said we’ve received the referral from the DOJ and are actively working on it. The investigation is being fast-tracked, and we’re doing everything we can to move things forward as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

The Securities and Exchange Commission meanwhile, said it supports the AMLC’s freeze order on the assets of individuals and companies allegedly involved in anomalous flood control projects.

The SEC noted that the CA has also already issued a freeze order on 135 bank accounts and 27 insurance policies linked to persons and entities, allegedly involved in anomalous flood control projects.

“The issuance of the freeze order is a step towards the right direction in the government’s efforts to address the widespread corruption that hound flood control projects, and to exact accountability from everyone involved,” SEC Chairperson Francis Lim said.