DPWH asks AMLC to freeze P500 million worth of luxury vehicles of contractors, employees linked to flood control project scandal
The Department of Public Works and Highways on Wednesday, Sept. 24, said it has asked the Anti-Money Laundering Council to freeze about P500 million worth of luxury vehicles of 26 contractors and employees who are allegedly involved in anomalous flood control projects.
A document obtained by GMA News showed that the following personalities were included in the DPWH's request to the AMLC.
- Henry Alcantara - P670 million
- Brice Hernandez - P35.342 million
- Jaypee Mendoza - P18.504 million
- John Michael Ramos - P2.4126 million
- Ernesto Galang - P3.8516 million
- Lorenzo Pagtalunan - P2.85 million
- Norberto Santos - P2.4165 million
- Floralyn Simbulan - (n/a)
- Juanito Mendoza - P7.95712 million
- Roberto Roque - P568,700
- Benedict Matawaran - P918,000
- Cristina Pineda - P2.67 million
- Paul Duay - P3.143 million
- Merg Laus - P2.877 million
- Lemuel Roque - P2.386 million
- Arjay Domasig - P2.7359 million
- John Rivera - P2.046 million
- John Francisco - P1.98 million
- Jolo Tayao - P1.808 million
- Ma. Roma Rimando - P26,500
- Cezarah Discaya - P2.18166 million
- Pacifico Discaya II - P59.085 million
- Mark Arevalo - P16.658 million
- Sally Santos - P30.0167 million
- Robert Imperio - P53.1219 million
In a press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 24, DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon said Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, the former chairman of the House appropriations committee, owns 11 air assets worth P4.7 billion, registered under various companies.
Dizon said he reported it to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines already.
"Ito po ay isusumbit na rin natin sa AMLC, [Independent Commission on Infrastructure], at sa [Department of Justice],” he said.
Co has been accused of insertions into the national budget for ghost infrastructure projects. Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco filed an ethics complaint against Co for alleged violation of the 1987 Constitution, the Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and the House rules.
The DPWH previously asked the AMLC to issue freeze orders on the bank accounts of the linked individuals.
In a press briefing, AMLC Executive Director Matthew David announced that the Court of Appeals has already issued the freeze order to 135 bank accounts and 25 insurance policies to some of the personalities.
Hearings at the House of Representatives and the Senate revealed billions of pesos lost to corruption, which prompted the formation of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure that will specifically investigate anomalies in flood control projects in the last 10 years.
On Sept. 11, Dizon filed criminal complaints against officials of the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office and four private contractors linked to anomalous flood control projects.
