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Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla warned that he will file charges against officials of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) if they do not fulfill their duties under the law.

Remulla emphasized that the AMLC is the primary office providing crucial information for anti-corruption cases, but the agency allegedly does not respond to inquiries from the Office of the Ombudsman.

“That’s why I want to speak with the AMLC again about their fulfillment of their duties because, as you know, their priority should not be the banking industry, but rather the violations of the law by government personnel. Because our real job is anti-corruption,” stated Remulla.

“If they will not come up with it, then we have a problem as a country. They cannot leave the questions from the Office of the Ombudsman unanswered. They must perform, otherwise we will file charges against them,” he added.

Remulla also said there is a “conflict of interest” within the AMLC.

“Perhaps the attitude of some there is that they still want to have friends in the banking industry so they can move there when they are no longer with the AMLC. That is one problem with our conflict of interest. That should be prohibited.”

In relation to this, AMLC Executive Director Matthew David requested to be transferred to another position within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Arnold Kabanlit was appointed as the acting executive director of the AMLC while a replacement for David is being sought.

Anti-Money Laundering Council

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is the central financial intelligence unit of the Philippines, established in 2001 by the Anti-Money Laundering Act. It was created to investigate suspicious financial transactions, combat money laundering, and counter the financing of terrorism in response to international standards and domestic security needs. The council plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of the Philippine financial system.

Office of the Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman is an independent public institution that investigates complaints from citizens against government agencies, acting as a neutral intermediary. The modern concept originated in Sweden in 1809, designed to oversee the government and protect citizens’ rights. Today, similar offices exist in many countries worldwide, promoting administrative fairness and accountability.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is the central bank of the Philippines, established in 1993 to replace the old Central Bank of the Philippines. It was created under the New Central Bank Act to provide a more independent and stable monetary authority, with a history tracing back to the country’s first central banking institution founded in 1949. The BSP is responsible for maintaining price stability, promoting a sound financial system, and issuing the nation’s currency.