BPI says no detail disclosure after Carpio cites clarification on glitch

MANILA, Philippines — The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) on Monday clarified that it maintains a strict policy against disclosing client information and transaction details unless mandated by legal processes.

BPI issued the statement after the camp of Atty. Manases Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, said that based on reports, the bank issued a “clarification” about an alleged “glitch” in its system.

Atty. Peter Paul Danao, citing information obtained from social media, said BPI reportedly clarified that the “P2 billion” figure was only “P2 million” due to the alleged system glitch.

However, Danao said they have yet to verify the matter with BPI.

“Until we have the real document showing that, I think it was premature for us to write to BPI about a document that we were not given until now,” Danao said, adding that they had asked the House justice committee, where Carpio’s bank transactions were unveiled, for a copy, to no avail.

BPI said it strictly adheres to the Bank Secrecy Act and the Data Privacy Act.

“In accordance with these laws, the Bank does not disclose client information or transaction details, except as may be required under applicable legal processes,” the bank said.

“Consistent with its statutory obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering Act and relevant regulations, the Bank complies with required reporting and regulatory engagements through the proper authorities and provides relevant clarifications when necessary,” it added.

The “P2 billion” figure was allegedly part of the P6.7 billion that the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said was the total amount of 33 suspicious transactions and 630 covered dealings involving Duterte and Carpio.

Danao said this amount was bloated, noting that Carpio said he “does not have that 6 billion amount.”

READ: Carpio sues AMLC, solons for ‘illegal, felonious’ disclosure of bank records

READ: Ridon to Carpio: You never denied P6.7 billion flagged transactions

Last week, Carpio filed criminal complaints against Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor and AMLC Chairperson Eli Remolona Jr., AMLC Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura, and other lawmakers for the public disclosure of his “confidential bank records” during the April 22 hearing on the impeachment complaints against Duterte.

The respondents are facing complaints for alleged violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, the Bank Secrecy Law, and the Data Privacy Act. /mcm