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No formal request yet from ICC to freeze Rodrigo Duterte’s assets —AMLC
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is yet to receive a formal request from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to freeze the financial assets of former President Rodrigo Duterte, in relation to his trial for alleged crimes against humanity.
“[W]e have yet to receive an official request from the ICC or from the relevant government agency responsible for addressing the matter...it would be premature to comment further,” AMLC Executive Director Matthew David told GMA News Online.
The ICC previously stated in an explainer video that it could order the freezing of an accused's assets following a conviction, as these assets may be used for victim reparations.
Malacañang, meanwhile, has said that the AMLC will be the agency responsible for deciding whether to freeze the financial assets of Duterte or not.
Nevertheless, David said the AMLC acknowledges media inquiries regarding a potential request from the ICC to freeze the assets of the former chief executive.
“If a request from the ICC does arise, it will be evaluated, and relevant government agencies will be consulted to determine the Philippines' response to a potential ICC request for enforcement of its order,” he said.
The AMLC executive director said its mandate includes “conducting money laundering investigations, responding to requests for assistance from foreign states, and filing of petitions with the Court of Appeals for the issuance of freeze orders against assets linked to unlawful activities, as outlined in the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) and its implementing rules and regulations.”
“We assure the public that the AMLC will continue to discharge its duties in accordance with the law and established procedures,” David said.
No commitment
''When it comes to the alleged incoming freeze order to be issued by the ICC, there is no commitment on our part, on the part of the administration, if we will comply with any order issued by the ICC considering that the ICC as of the moment has no jurisdiction over the Philippines,'' Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said during a briefing on Tuesday.
She was also asked about the possible forfeiture of benefits of the former president if he is found guilty by the ICC. Castro said the question was hypothetical.
''Kung pag-uusapan po natin kung magkakaroon man ng decision ang ICC, unang-una napaka-hypothetical,'' Castro said.
(If we will discuss whether the ICC will issue a decision [on that matter], first, it's hypothetical.)
Philippine authorities on March 11 assisted the Interpol in serving a warrant of arrest from the ICC against Duterte for murder related to crimes against humanity in connection with his deadly drug war.
Duterte on March 13 (Philippine time) entered the Hague Penitentiary Institution or the Scheveningen Prison where he will be held while awaiting trial.
The former president faced the ICC via video link, while his counsel former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea was present inside the court.
The hearing on the confirmation of charges has been set for Sept. 23, 2025. —with a report from Anna Felicia Bajo/AOL/VBL, GMA Integrated News
