Politics · Philippines Bureau
AMLC legally permitted to share records with foreign agencies, court told
The Anti-Money Laundering Council has legal authority to disclose financial information to international counterparts, a prosecution spokesman argued Saturday. The position reinforces the agency's ability to submit records to the Senate impeachment court.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Prosecutors defending the Anti-Money Laundering Council's disclosure of financial records to the Senate impeachment court cited international cooperation provisions Saturday, arguing the agency operates within legal bounds when sharing information with foreign counterparts.
Benjamin "Jay" Tolosa Jr., legal spokesperson and counsel for the prosecution, said AMLC regulations permit the transfer of financial data to overseas institutions. This framework, he contended, provides additional legal footing for the council to furnish records requested by the impeachment tribunal.
The argument addresses defense concerns raised during impeachment proceedings regarding the confidentiality status of AMLC records. Tolosa's position suggests that international information-sharing obligations do not conflict with providing materials to domestic judicial bodies investigating financial crimes.
The AMLC, the country's financial intelligence unit, has faced scrutiny over its disclosure practices as the impeachment case progresses. Tolosa's remarks indicate prosecutors believe transparency with both foreign agencies and the Senate court can be reconciled under existing legal frameworks governing the council's operations.
The exchange reflects ongoing tensions in the impeachment proceedings over the scope of permissible evidence and the balance between institutional confidentiality and judicial oversight.