To download, please click the link.
The Regional Trial Court Branch 24, Manila has convicted Janet Lim Napoles of money laundering in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam, in a decision dated 12 July 2024.
The case, initiated by a complaint filed by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) with the Department of Justice, resulted in a sentence of seven to 14 years of imprisonment for Napoles. She was also ordered to pay a fine of PHP16 million.
Despite the pending resolution of her plunder case, the court found Napoles guilty of money laundering. The court clarified that a final conviction for a predicate crime is not necessary to secure a conviction for money laundering. What is essential is to prove that the money or property came from an unlawful activity. In this case, the court determined that there was proof beyond reasonable doubt that millions of pesos of ill-gotten wealth coming from public funds were amassed through the PDAF scam.
The conviction underscored the government’s commitment to pursue justice in cases of large-scale corruption.
“This case sends a clear and strong message that those who engage in corrupt activities and attempt to launder their illicit gains will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said AMLC Executive Director, Atty. Matthew M. David.
“Napoles’ conviction is a significant victory in the government’s fight against corruption. It serves as a powerful reminder that the AMLC, in collaboration with other government agencies, is committed to prosecuting individuals involved in the plunder of public funds,” he added.
The AMLC continues to strengthen its efforts in combating money laundering, ensuring that justice is served and public trust in the integrity of our financial system is upheld.
###
For further information, contact:
Tel. No. 53062833
Posted: 22 August 2024
The Regional Trial Court Branch 56, Angeles City has convicted Xinli Chen, an operator of a drug laboratory, on 35 counts of money laundering under Section 4 [a] of Republic Act No. 9160, or the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 (AMLA), as amended.
Chen was sentenced to seven to 14 years of imprisonment for each count and fined PHP3 million per offense.
Chen was arrested on 7 September 2016, during a raid on a drug laboratory hidden within a piggery in Magalang, Pampanga. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Pampanga Provincial Police Office conducted the joint operation. A subsequent financial investigation by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) uncovered Chen’s money laundering activities, including the use of multiple bank accounts to conceal illicit proceeds from drug operations.
The conviction is a significant achievement in the government’s ongoing battle against money laundering linked to illegal drug activities.
“This conviction demonstrates the effectiveness of our legal framework in tackling the complex and insidious nature of money laundering, particularly when tied to illegal drug operations,” said AMLC Executive Director, Atty. Matthew M. David.
“The AMLC remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of our financial system. This case serves as a stark reminder that those who engage in laundering the proceeds of crime will face the full force of the law,” he added.
The conviction emphasizes the Philippines’ whole-of-government approach and dedication to combat money laundering and related unlawful activities.
###
For further information, contact:
Tel. No. 53062833
Posted: 21 August 2024
To download, please click the link.
For further information, contact:
Tel. No. 53062833
Posted: 22 August 2024