The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is set to file charges against dismissed Mayor Alice Guo and several other individuals linked to a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Bamban, Tarlac.
According to Adrian Arpon, Deputy Director of the AMLC’s Investigating and Enforcement Department, the council has already filed a civil forfeiture case.
As for the criminal case related to money laundering, Arpon mentioned that they are coordinating with various agencies and expect to file the case in the coming days.
What is Civil Forfeiture?
In Philippine law, civil forfeiture refers to the legal process where the government seizes assets suspected of being involved in or derived from criminal activity.
Unlike criminal forfeiture, civil forfeiture does not require a criminal conviction. The government must only prove that the assets are connected to illegal activities.
This legal tool is commonly used in cases of money laundering and other financial crimes to prevent the use of illicit funds.
Last month, the Court of Appeals issued a freeze order against the bank accounts and personal assets of dismissed Mayor Alice Guo and two other individuals.
The freeze order was implemented after authorities found evidence linking them to illegal operations of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator in Bamban, Tarlac.
The freeze order is a preventive measure aimed at preserving assets that are suspected to be connected to unlawful activities.
Under Philippine law, a freeze order temporarily prohibits the withdrawal, transfer, or disposal of assets that may be involved in or derived from illegal activities, pending further investigation or legal action.
This action is typically sought by the AMLC to prevent the dissipation of assets that could otherwise be used in criminal activities or hidden before a court can determine their lawful ownership.
In this particular case, the freeze order affects multiple bank accounts and personal properties, ensuring that these assets remain intact while the investigation into money laundering and other potential charges continues.