Four years after its launch, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is awarded the Best Egmont Case Award (BECA). Granted by the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, the BECA highlights the vital role of the AMLC in the investigation process, which entails tracing, freezing, and seizing the proceeds involved in the scam cited in its submitted case.

“We take pride in this win as it is an affirmation of all the hard work that the Council and the Secretariat have put in to combat money laundering in the country,” noted AMLC Secretariat Executive Director Atty. Julia C. Bacay-Abad. “I am particularly proud of the case we have submitted as it shows how cooperation among our domestic partners can prevail amidst the difficult circumstances and create a strong impact in our fight against corruption. Indeed, AMLC has become a more effective FIU and a stronger anti-money laundering or counter-terrorism financing partner, and our peers have recognized this.”

Read more: Best Egmont Case Award conferred to AMLC

On 16 October 2015 the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) celebrated its 14^th Anniversary at the Hotel Jen, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. The occasion was graced by AMLC Chairperson and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., former AMLC Executive Director now BSP Deputy-Governor for Resource Management Sector Atty. Vicente S. Aquino and AMLC Secretariat Executive Director Atty. Julia C. Bacay-Abad.

In his speech during the celebration of the 14^th year of the AMLC, Governor Tetangco addressed the bigger and bolder challenges faced by the AMLC with cases filed involving huge amounts of plundered money, hardened drug lords, complicated pyramiding scams, and high profile cases against government officials. As a result of which, the AMLC has been accused of being biased, partisan, and/or being an instrument for political persecution.

Read more: Bigger and bolder challenges as AMLC turns 14