Trillanes says AMLC denied his request for disclosure of Duterte’s bank records

The Anti-Money Laundering Council has denied Senator Antonio Trillanes IV's request to for the agency to release the bank records of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Trillanes made the remark after receiving a letter from AMLC as regards its denial of his request.

“The AMLC has neither the power nor authority to conduct a bank inquiry. Without an authorized bank inquiry, the AMLC is in no position to have in its possession the bank records of, or to disclose, the bank transactions of anyone,” AMLC said.

“Whatever reports are in its possession, based as they are on bank transactions, are confidential and may be disclosed only in strict accordance with the requirements and procedures prescribed under the law and jurisprudence,” it added.

The request was made by the senator in February, days after Duterte said he ordered the AMLC and other agencies to release information about his financial status.

The letter of AMLC dated March 29 states that Trillanes’ request would violate Republic Act No. 1405 or the Bank Deposit Secrecy Law. It also said that it cannot conduct a bank inquiry without an order from the Court of Appeals.

Trillanes renewed his challenge to Duterte to sign a waiver and disclose his bank transactions.

“Ang gawin ni Dutere, pumirma ka ng waiver. Marami ka pang drama. Marami ka pang arte. Pumirma ka ng waiver para malaman ng taumbayan ang totoo,” he said.

Trillanes said he would not only resign but also walk right into jail if he would be proven wrong that President Rodrigo Duterte had over P2 billion in his bank accounts.

“Pagka-mali ang alegasyon ko, magre-resign ako sa Senado. Hindi lang yan, magwo-walk-in pa ko sa kulungan para hindi mo na ako kailangan kasuhan pa,” Trillanes said.

"If he wants to get rid of me, this is the easiest way to do it; so better to do it now," he added. —NB, GMA News