The Court of Appeals (CA) issued a freeze order on April 23 against the assets of a sitting legislator, a business associate, and a corporate entity in connection with alleged anomalies in government flood control projects, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) announced on Friday, April 24.

According to the AMLC, the appellate court found probable cause linking the assets to possible cases of plunder under Republic Act No. 7659, direct and indirect bribery under the Revised Penal Code, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019).

The freeze order covers 25 bank accounts and 10 insurance policies under the name of the legislator. It also includes 27 bank accounts, 10 insurance policies, and one investment account belonging to the alleged business associate, as well as two bank accounts, seven property accounts, and one real estate property registered under a corporate entity.

According to the agency, the measure is a provisional remedy intended to preserve assets suspected to be connected to unlawful activity while legal proceedings are ongoing.

“The filing of this Petition for Freeze Order underscores the AMLC’s continuous commitment to uphold public accountability and protect the integrity of the Philippine financial system,” AMLC Executive Director Atty. Ronel U. Buenaventura said.

The agency added that it has already filed 12 civil forfeiture cases before various regional trial courts involving assets linked to the same flood control anomaly investigation. These properties remain under provisional asset preservation orders, which prevent their transfer, sale, or disposal while cases are being heard.

Authorities said the investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects remains ongoing as efforts continue to trace and secure potentially illicit assets.