Philippine AML Council launches casino probe amid flood project corruption scandal | AGB
Summary
The Philippine Anti‑Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has opened an investigation into casino transactions after reports that former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers allegedly channelled more than PHP1 billion through 13 casinos while overseeing dubious flood control projects in Bulacan Province. Senate sources say the group — called the “Bulacan Group of Contractors” — showed patterns consistent with laundering: buying chips, minimal play, then cashing out to claim gambling winnings. AMLC will probe suspects, relatives and associates, seek asset freezes and coordinate with PAGCOR records.
Separately, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is examining alleged use of fake driver’s licences by the accused to access casinos and has issued 90‑day preventive suspensions to some dismissed DPWH engineers. The corruption allegations stem from flood projects with little real progress despite large allocations — one contract of PHP92.58 million reportedly showing 46% completion two days after a notice to proceed.
Key Points
- AMLC is investigating suspicious casino transactions linked to former DPWH‑Bulacan engineers accused of corruption in flood projects.
- Senate findings indicate over PHP1 billion moved across 13 casinos between 2023 and 2025, with nearly PHP950 million reportedly lost during casino activity.
- Pattern described: purchase of chips, minimal or no play, then cashing out to claim proceeds as legitimate gambling winnings.
- The LTO has launched a probe into fraudulent driver’s licences allegedly used to enter casinos and issued 90‑day preventive suspensions.
- AMLC will target suspects’ assets for freezing and examine relatives/associates, while broader inquiries continue into under‑delivered flood control works in Bulacan.
Author style
Punchy: this is more than a local scandal — it touches anti‑money laundering enforcement, casino compliance and public procurement integrity. If you work in gaming, regulation or regional risk, the details here matter and could have follow‑on compliance and reputational consequences.
Why should I read this?
Because this story links alleged large‑scale procurement fraud with casino‑based money‑laundering tactics — a combo that could prompt tougher enforcement and operational scrutiny for operators in the Philippines and the region. We read the messy bits so you don’t have to: if you care about AML risk, licence exposure or how regulators are reacting, this one’s worth a quick look.
