AMLC shows Duterte, spouse transactions linked to flood control, drugs

MANILA, Philippines — The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) on Monday disclosed several transactions by Vice President Sara Duterte and her spouse, Atty. Maneses Carpio, that were flagged for allegedly being related to the flood control scandal and drug trafficking.

During the 33rd day of Duterte’s impeachment trial, AMLC Secretariat Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura disclosed several suspicious transaction reports (STRs) before the Senate Impeachment Court while being questioned by private prosecutor Mae Divinagracia.

STRs refer to reports filed by covered institutions on transactions that exhibit specific red flags or irregularities under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, regardless of the amount involved.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: AMLC: 666 covered, 55 suspicious Duterte-Carpio transactions worth P4.4B

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

READ: AMLC: Banks reported VP’s transactions as high as P55M from 2011 to 2024 

Among the STRs revealed during the trial were premium payments made to The Mercantile Insurance Co. on July 4, 2019, and Nov. 15, 2019.

“Based on records, as reported by the covered person, the reason indicated is graft and corrupt practices,” Buenaventura said.

Asked what the narrative was, or the explanation behind the suspicion, Buenaventura said the following:

Article continues after this advertisement

“Several news outlets recently released a list of individuals and corporations identified as being involved in the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) flood control issue, prompting the filing of an STR.”

Meanwhile, another STR, dated Aug. 1, 2024, linked Duterte’s husband, Mans Carpio, to drug trafficking, particularly PSBank accounts under his name, which were flagged following criminal complaints tied to a 2017 P6.4-billion shabu smuggling case.

Article continues after this advertisement

Among the accused in the said case, based on the STR narrative, was Carpio, who owned two separate PSBank accounts, one peso and one dollar account.

“Both accounts were still active, with average daily balances for the past six months amounting to P519,787.44 and USD6,411.05, respectively,” the narrative read, which was likewise based on press accounts.

Another STR, dated Dec. 5, 2024, also flagged transactions Duterte allegedly committed for malversation of public funds and property.

“The client is alleged to have misappropriated confidential funds to her office,” Buenaventura said in reading the STR explanation, which also directly cited various news reports.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

The STR narrative also cited COA’s disallowance of P73 million in confidential funds in 2022 under Duterte’s office. /mcm