MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman is examining possible “unexplained cash” and financial transactions as part of its ongoing lifestyle checks on 26 members of the House of Representatives tagged as alleged government contractors.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the investigation includes scrutiny of disbursements and cash movements that may not align with declared assets.
“Yung unexplained cash, disbursements, titingnan namin. The best laundering mechanism na ginagamit ng mga gumagawa na ‘yan, bibili sila ng MC (manager’s check) sa bangko,” Remulla said in a radio interview.
He noted that manager’s checks could be used to obscure cash transactions, as these are not treated the same as bank deposits and are covered by strict bank secrecy rules.
“Hindi covered deposit ‘yan… ‘Hindi mo puwedeng tanungin ‘yan, kasi covered transaction, secrecy of bank deposits.’ That’s the ultimate laundering mechanism,” he said.
The Ombudsman’s probe follows earlier orders to conduct lifestyle checks on the 26 lawmakers, whose Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) have already been obtained.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the group, referred to as “congtractors,” are suspected of having links to contracting firms that transact with the government — an arrangement prohibited under the law.
“The first 26, we have already assigned them to the investigative teams to do lifestyle checks as well as further investigation,” Clavano said.
He added that the inquiry was triggered by intelligence reports indicating that some legislators may have financial interests in companies engaged in government projects.
The Ombudsman has sought comment from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas regarding the use of manager’s checks and related banking rules. Further investigation is ongoing./PN
