ICI speeding up asset recovery in infra scandal

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and 16 government agencies have finalized a framework for recovering assets illegally acquired using flood control funds.

- EJ MACABABBAD

After meeting behind closed doors yesterday, the ICI and the other agencies came up with a framework for inter-agency coordination, information sharing and legal procedures as they began the process of forfeiting assets of officials and contractors linked to the flood control scam.

They have also outlined operational guidelines for the conduct of national asset recovery and accountability initiatives.

"We know that every peso stolen is a peso lost for the service of the people. That's why it's important that we join together and help one another in returning the public's money," ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr. said before the start of the meeting.

"Given your agency's critical mandate and technical expertise, your roles are big and crucial in this process," Reyes told the members of the technical working group.

Among the government officials present at yesterday’s meeting were Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, National Bureau of Investigation officer-in-charge Angelito Magno, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center acting executive director Aboy Paraiso.

Dizon said forfeiting assets, which is civil in nature and can be filed independently of criminal cases, is a process that should not be too ardous.

"This is faster because what you need to prove is that what you earn is smaller than the money or assets that you hold," he explained.

Dizon is mum on specific actions the technical working group intends to take, or on the number or nature of assets being pursued.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council reported last week that around 2,000 bank accounts totaling P5.2 billion had been frozen.

7 Discaya cars up for auction

For its part, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said seven luxury cars owned by contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya are now up for auction.