The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) on Tuesday said it has ordered the freeze of the assets and properties of suspended Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves, Jr.
The order comes after the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) designated Teves as a leader and main mastermind of a terrorist group.
In a press briefing, AMLC Luis Warren cited that a provision under Anti Terrorism Act (ATA) mandates the AMLC to order a freeze on the assets and properties of individuals or organizations who are designated as terrorists.
"The Anti-Money Laundering Council issuances of the freeze order is based on the ATA's Section 25 in relation to Section 26. So, upon a designation of individuals or organizations, it is ministerial on the part of the Anti-Money Laundering Council to issue an ex parte order to freeze without delay the subjects of this case," Warren explained.
According to the AMLC official, the freeze order has been disseminated among banks, and this will be effective today, August 1.
Justice Undersecretary Nichola Felix Ty clarified that Teves will only face a freeze of assets and properties as a consequence of the ATC's designation.
"Kung aresto ang pinag-uusapan natin, dadaan pa rin tayo sa criminal action, pu-pwedeng doon sa pending criminal cases before the DOJ or kung sakali na baka may future cases na masalang," he added.
Meanwhile, Teves took the consequence of his designation lightly.
"Dapat bumili sila ng malaking freezer baka hindi magkasya. Alam ko naman that they want to freeze my assets, hindi naman tayo pinanganak kahapon," he told the media in a separate briefing.
Echoing the statement of his legal counsel, the embattled Congressman said he also expected this development.
But Teves maintained that his designation will not prompt him to return to the country as he stressed that the threat against his and his family's lives remain.
Aside from the suspended Negros lawmaker, ATC also tagged Henry Pryde Teves and 11 others, who were allegedly members of his armed group, as terrorists.
