‘BSP, AMLC acted within law’

MANILA, Philippines — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said it acted in accordance with the law when it, together with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), allowed the presentation of bank transactions of Vice President Sara Duterte’s husband Manases Carpio at a hearing on her impeachment case by the House of Representatives justice committee last Wednesday.

The BSP issued the statement yesterday in reaction to Carpio’s filing of a criminal complaint before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office against BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr., AMLC executive director Ronel Buenaventura and several members of the House justice committee for violation of bank secrecy and data privacy laws.

“We emphasize that the BSP and the AMLC continue to perform their mandates in accordance with law, guided by independence, professionalism and due process,” the BSP said, adding that Remolona has yet to receive a formal copy of the complaint.

“The governor… will respond appropriately upon receipt, before the proper forum,” it said.

The AMLC has yet to issue a separate statement.

In his complaint, Carpio accused Remolona, Buenaventura and justice committee members led by Rep. Gerville Luistro of violating the Anti-Money Laundering Act, the Bank Secrecy Law and the Data Privacy Act over the supposed disclosure of confidential financial records.

The complaint was prompted by the April 22 hearing of the House committee on justice, where AMLC reports involving alleged transactions amounting to P6.77 billion linked to Carpio and the Vice President were discussed as part of impeachment proceedings against Duterte.

Carpio claimed the disclosure was made without consent and that it breached confidentiality protections under existing laws.