RCBC says sorry for bank officers’ role in $81-M money laundering

Yuchengco-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) on Holy Wednesday apologized to the public for the involvement of its personnel in the $81-million money laundering scheme.

The bank issued the apology two weeks after the heist hit the headlines and a day before the country went on its annual four-day long weekend to commemorate Christ's death and resurrection.

"RCBC offers its sincerest apologies for the involvement of its personnel in the money laundering scheme now subject of Senate Blue Ribbon and AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council) investigations," the company said in an emailed statement.

The company's Jupiter branch has been said to be the initial storing grounds of the $81 million stolen from the account of the Bangladesh Bank with the US Federal Reserve Bank in New York, allegedly after being facilitated by the top officials of the branch.

Two of its officials, Jupiter branch manager Maia Santos-Deguito and senior customer relations officer Angela Torres were already found by RCBC to have been involved in the scheme.

Both officers were fired by the bank on Tuesday.

"RCBC has terminated Maia Deguito and Angela Torres, the top two officials of the bank’s Jupiter branch, for violating bank policies and procedure and falsification of commercial documents,” the bank said in an earlier statement.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has already conducted two hearings on the issue, with the next scheduled on March 29.

"Within legal bounds, RCBC will cooperate with these and any subsequent government proceedings," it said.

The bank also said it is currently conducting its own inquiry to identify and address any "weaknesses" in its controls and operations which made the scheme possible.

"Needless to say, it will take appropriate action against any bank officer or staff found guilty of fault or negligence," it said.

"RCBC recognizes the evils wrought by money laundering and will do its utmost in the fight against it," it added. —NB, GMA News