Deguito says RCBC must return money to Bangladesh

For its supposed involvement in the money laundering scheme, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) should return what should be given back to Bangladesh, a former manager of the bank said on Thursday.

"Sana si RCBC ibalik din niya 'yung dapat ibalik," former Jupiter branch manager Maia Santos-Deguito told reporters during the Pandesal Forum at Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City on Thursday.

Hackers stole funds from the Bangladesh Bank account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and moved $81 million into fictitious accounts with the RCBC Jupiter branch.

"I-acknowledge nila (yung pagkakamali nila). Sinabi naman nila sa Senate... I-acknowledge nila 'yung responsibility nila," Deguito said.

RCBC president-on-leave Lorenzo V. Tan told the Senate blue ribbon committee on April 12 that the bank is looking at the possibility of returning some of the dirty money.

"If we're found liable, I would recommend to the board to set aside a certain amount of money," Tan said.

Senator Ralph G. Recto noted such a move could improve the bank's market standing.

"If we try about $80 million and $30 million masasauli – assuming lang – natira $50 million at roughly P2.2 billion – assuming that the RCBC gives this to the Bank of Bangladesh, your P5-billion profit minus P2.2 billion, kita pa rin kayo ng P3 billion" the Senator said. – VDS, GMA news