The AMLC, on the other hand, enforces RA No. 9160, also known as the “Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 (AMLA),” as amended, and RA No. 10168, also known as the “Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012,” to ensure that the Philippines shall not be used as a money-laundering haven for proceeds of any unlawful activity and to protect life, liberty, and property from acts of terrorism by condemning terrorism and those who support and finance it. The AMLC is empowered, among others, to investigate suspicious transactions, covered transactions deemed suspicious after an investigation by the AMLC, money-laundering activities, other violations of the AMLA, as amended, and terrorism financing; and to prosecute cases in relation to these. To reinforce the public confidence in the financial system, the AMLC has always teamed up with various law enforcement agencies in detecting both criminal acts and money laundering.
Prior to the MOA signing, the AMLC has worked with the BJMP through the National Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (NALECC), which comprises members and subcommittees from different government law enforcement agencies, all coordinated to quell criminal activities on a daily basis.
The MOA represents a milestone for the AMLC and the BJMP, enjoining both agencies to work hand in hand to prevent, control, detect, and investigate unlawful activities and money-laundering activities arising from them; to collaborate in the exchange of studies, research, and information on current, new, and emerging trends and typologies in money laundering; and to undertake capacity-building measures that will address money laundering, terrorism financing, and unlawful activities in the country. The AMLC will likewise be the BJMP’s partner in its drive to contain crime in our penitentiary system.