OVP's huge cash withdrawals 'unusual,' ex-bank manager testifies

The withdrawal of huge amounts of cash totaling P500 million by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) through four separate checks, each amounting to P125 million, was "unusual," a former manager of state-run LandBank testified. Violeta Constantino, a witness presented by the House prosecution panel during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, stated that such transactions by the OVP differed from typical dealings of government agencies. When asked by Senator-Judge Erwin Tulfo if she had encountered similar transactions from other government bodies, Constantino replied, "None, sir. These were unusual." Constantino mentioned that the bank did not inquire about the purpose of the cash withdrawals. She explained that this was because the OVP had provided prior "advice" (notification), and the process was followed. However, she added that she was unaware the withdrawals would be used for confidential funds. Responding to a question from Senator-Judge Bam Aquino regarding whether such "unusual" transactions were reported to authorities, Constantino invoked the rules of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and declined to disclose information. She did affirm, however, that all transactions exceeding P500,000, whether by private individuals or government employees, are reported to the AMLC. Source: GMA News Philippines