The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) held a meeting on Thursday with multiple government agencies to coordinate the recovery of assets from individuals linked to anomalous flood control projects. Attendees included the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other key bodies such as the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and Commission on Audit (COA), among others.
ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka described the effort as a “whole-of-government approach to recover assets in the control of persons responsible for the anomalous flood control projects.” He noted that representatives agreed to establish a technical working group for regular updates and information sharing to expedite asset restitution. Hosaka also revealed that the AMLC has frozen approximately PHP5 billion in 2,800 accounts, adding, “Yung gusto natin bawiin (What we want to recover) is a moving target, (but) rough estimate right now, according to AMLC, frozen accounts, PHP5 billion in 2,800 accounts.” He anticipates the figure could grow as the process continues, with the government justifying forfeitures next.
In some cases, agencies may proceed without court involvement, as seen with the BOC’s auction of surrendered luxury vehicles, due to their inherent authorities. Additionally, Hosaka mentioned potential scrutiny of connections between the Discaya couple and CLTG Corp., owned by Senator Bong Go’s family, stating, “We’ll look into that. If there is a need to invite Senator Bong, then we will invite him.”