Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) — Despite a Senate investigation into the illicit entry of dirty money into the country, another $500,000 or around ₱25 million in cold cash was brought in Tuesday morning, Senator Richard Gordon said.
The money came from Singapore, brought by a Singaporean national who arrived at Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at around 9 a.m., Gordon said in a chance interview with reporters.
When asked if the foreign national was arrested, Gordon said, “Dineclare nanaman (It was declared again).”
In a Senate hearing last week, the Anti-Money Laundering Council said they could not order the immediate arrest of those who bring in huge amounts of foreign currencies since these are often declared as business profits, foreign exchanges, savings, casino payouts and salary. But these are treated as intelligence information, the AMLC said, and submitted to intelligence agencies.
The AMLC, however, got a scolding from lawmakers after revealing that they receive reports from Customs 10 days after the end of every month. Gordon stressed that by that time, the money would be all spent, calling it “bureaucracy in its worst form.”
Gordon also revealed last week that cold cash brought in through airports have amounted to $633 million, or around ₱32 billion, in 890 entries from September 2019. These are believed to be channeled here for money laundering. On Tuesday, Gordon said the total has gone up to almost $700 million.
He earlier said at least five syndicates are behind the scheme – sneaking in money in US dollars, Japanese yen, Hong Kong dollars, and other foreign currencies. He repeatedly mentioned a so-called “Rodriguez Group” who may have connections in government.
“May malakas silang kinakapitan. Hindi sila takot e. Oh indication. Paano ka maglalabas ng ganyang kalaking pera na hindi ka natatakot maholdap sa labas ng airport? Male-maleta ang dala mo milyon-milyon araw-araw hindi ka matatakot?,” Gordon said.
[Translation: They have a strong backing. They are not afraid. This is an indication. How will you bring that huge amount of money with fear of getting held up outside the airport? You bring in luggage of millions everyday, won’t you be afraid?.]
At least seven members of the Rodriguez clan have been subpoenaed, and Gordon reiterated that they will be arrested if they do not attend the hearing on Thursday. Gordon chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee which is conducting a legislative inquiry into the issue.
