Court freezes bank accounts, assets of DPWH execs, contractors

ICI begins probe, evidence gathering; vows to deliver results

- DERCO ROSAL, TRIXEE ROSEL, and JOSEPH PEDRAJAS

The Court of Appeals (CA) has ordered the freezing of 135 bank accounts and 27 insurance policies of at least 26 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and contractors involved in anomalous flood control projects.

In a press briefing, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Executive Director Atty. Matthew David, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas legal counsel Atty. Roberto Figueroa, said the accounts covered are those of the "Bulacan Group of Contractors" or BGC boys, and DPWH contractors, including Sarah Discaya.

Effective immediately, the freeze order was secured by the AMLC under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), citing possible money laundering involving public funds intended for flood control projects.

The amounts covered by the freeze have yet to be determined, but the AMLC said this could be established in the next 24 hours.

The 26 DPWH officials and private contractors listed were: Henry C. Alcantara, former OIC- Assistant Regional Director; Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, former OIC-District Engineer (DE); Jaypee D. Mendoza, former OIC Assistant DE; John Michael E. Ramos, Chief of the Construction Section; Ernesto C. Galang, Planning and Design section; Lorenzo A. Pagtalunan, OICChief, maintenance section; Norberto L. Santos, Quality Assurance and Hydrology Section; Jaime R.