Appellate Court Strikes Down AMLC's Fund Seizure
In a significant ruling, the Court of Appeals has overturned an attempt by the Anti-Money Laundering Council to confiscate funds belonging to journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and church lay worker Mariel Domequil. The decision, dated October 29, 2025, marks a crucial legal victory for the two activists after years of legal battles and allegations they maintain were fabricated.
A Victory for Truth and Due Process
The court found that the AMLC acted without a legal basis when it seized P557,360 from Cumpio and Domequil in 2020. In its ruling, the appellate court stated there was a "dearth of reason to believe" the two were involved in any unlawful activity. Importantly, the court noted that neither individual had been officially designated or proscribed as a terrorist.
The funds in question were intended for typhoon victims and a local radio program, according to the defendants. The court's reversal of the Manila Regional Trial Court's earlier forfeiture order is seen by their supporters as a long-overdue vindication.
Court Warns Against Misusing 'National Security'
The Court of Appeals issued a strong warning against the misuse of national security rhetoric to justify human rights violations. The decision stated, "The Court cannot countenance the hasty labelling of human rights advocates as terrorists and the speedy confiscation of their funds and property in the name of national security."
It further emphasized that counter-terrorism measures must not bypass due process or target individuals and organizations engaged in the legitimate promotion and defense of human rights. This part of the ruling is seen as a critical check on the application of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The Fight for Freedom Continues
Despite this legal victory, Cumpio and Domequil remain detained in Tacloban City since their arrest in February 2020. They face separate criminal charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives, allegations they and their supporters deny.
They are part of a group known as the "Tacloban 5," which also includes Karapatan National Council member Alexander Philip Abinguna. Human rights groups are now urging the courts to dismiss the remaining charges, arguing that the CA decision exposes the baseless nature of the overall case against them.
Advocates insist that Frenchie Mae Cumpio should be working in a newsroom, Mariel Domequil should be serving her community, and Alexander Philip Abinguna should be conducting fact-finding missions, not languishing in jail.
