Records on bank deposits must be kept confidential—defense

MANILA, Philippines – Records on bank deposits should be treated with confidentiality and whoever, public or private individuals in possession of these, must be held accountable, the defense said Thursday.

Lawyer Tranquil Salvador said, “According to the law, bank deposits should be treated with confidentiality, therefore, that should not be disclosed to the public. Whoever has it, whether private or public individual, will have to account [for it], they should explain why they have that document.”

Salvador was referring to the bank documents, specimen signature cards, of Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) under the name of Chief Justice Renato Corona that allegedly were left at the gate of Congressman Jorge Banal, representative of the Third District of Quezon City.

PSBank Katipunan branch manager Annabelle Tiongson testified that Banal came to her, showed her the document and asked about details. Banal later confirmed the story of Tiongson but said that he did not inform any of the prosecution members about the document because he could not verify its truthfulness.

Banal was invited to return to the impeachment court on Monday to answer questions from the senators.

Salvador said that they would study whether to will file a case against those who have possession of the bank documents.

“Ultimately, it is the Chief Justice who will decide because he is the one who was violated, if there was a violation,” Salvador said.

Salvador said that the evidence should no longer be admitted and the testimonies of witnesses should be stricken off the records because the basis of subpoenas against them was questionable and illegal, and therefore “could not be a source of competent evidence.”

Salvador said that the people are hoping for an impeachment process that is “firm, whole, and credible.”

“Whether the decision will be for conviction or acquittal, [the people] should [see that the process is] trustworthy and credible,” Salvador said.