Malacañang welcomes US seizure of Jeane Napoles funds

Jeanne Catherine Lim Napoles. SCREENGRAB FROM YOUTUBE

A good working relationship. That was how Malacañang on Saturday described the Philippine government’s affairs with the United States following the freezing of bank accounts of the daughter of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet-Lim Napoles.

“Of course, we welcome all efforts, especially when it comes to matters like these,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said of the news.

READ: US seizes funds of Napoles daughter

She said the US had in the past initiated forfeiture proceedings related to local cases,

“Alam kong malaki po ang magiging tulong nila, especially mas mabilis po silang mag-initiate ng forfeiture proceedings,” she said.

(I know that they have helped a lot, especially since they act faster when it comes to forfeiture proceedings.)

The US Department of Justice recently filed a complaint against Jean Catherine Napoles, resulting in the freezing of her bank accounts amounting to $984,173.40. The said funds were reportedly from the sale of her Ritz-Carlton condominium in Los Angeles.

However, the US District Court of California said that “based on a showing that there was probable cause to believe the proceeds [came from] foreign offenses involving the bribery of a public official or misappropriation of public funds.”

The younger Napoles is facing a tax evasion case before the Court of Tax Appeals.

READ: Court enters not guilty plea for Napoles daughter on 2nd tax rap

Her mother is accused of creating bogus non-government organizations and, together with several lawmakers, pocketing taxpayers’ money through the now defunct Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). IDL