BSP and AMLC Defend Mandate Following Criminal Complaint by Mans Carpio

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) issued a joint defense of their operations on Monday, asserting that all agency actions remain "in accordance with the law." The statement comes in response to a high-profile criminal complaint filed by Atty. Manases "Mans" Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The Allegations

Atty. Carpio filed the complaint at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office, targeting BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr., AMLC Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura, and several members of the House of Representatives. The lawsuit alleges: Unauthorized disclosure of confidential peso and dollar accounts; Illegal dissemination of sensitive personal financial information; Carpio characterized the release of records involving transactions totaling PHP 6.77 billion as a "felonious" attempt to smear his family ahead of future elections.

The Defense

In a brief statement, the BSP and AMLC emphasized their roles as independent financial regulators. They maintained that their personnel have strictly adhered to established protocols and legal frameworks governing anti-money laundering investigations. The BSP noted that Governor Remolona has yet to receive a formal copy of the charge sheet but intends to address the allegations in the "proper forum."

Context of the Dispute

The legal battle stems from a House Committee on Good Government inquiry, where lawmakers presented documents detailing massive insurance payments and deposits linked to the Vice President’s family. While lawmakers argue the disclosures are necessary for transparency and public accountability, the Carpio camp maintains that the agencies bypassed judicial requirements to "weaponize" financial data.