Record of the Senate - Integrated Bar of the Philippines

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2012 71Senator Drilon. It is on record that these accounts exist.Mr. Roy. Yes, by admission.Senator Drilon. This is on record that these accounts exist.Mr. Roy. It is on record that that was the testimony of the President, Senator. I am sorry,Senator, I really do not know if they exist or not. But I do agree with you that that was what thewitness said.Senator Drilon. Now, these dollar accounts were not opened. And therefore, because of theTRO of the Supreme Court, we do not know the amounts there. At least, it is not on record. Is thatcorrect?Mr. Roy. I suppose, Mr. Senator, yes.Senator Drilon. Now, is it your position that since the amounts appearing in these accountscannot, as of this time, be pried open, there is no obligation on the part of the Chief Justice to reportthis asset?Mr. Roy. It is my position, Mr. Senator....Senator Drilon. No, can you answer me? Is it your position that the Chief Justice does not haveto report this asset in his SALN?Mr. Roy. It is my position that Republic Act No. 6426 provides for the confidentiality. It is alsomy position, Mr. Senator, not to be evasive, that if you ask this question to the Chief Justice andhe favors you with an answer, then that will be that.Senator Drilon. Can you state categorically whether or not there is a dollar account in PSBank?Mr. Roy. I cannot, Senator. To tell you honestly, I do not know the truth of the matter, to tellyou honestly.Senator Drilon. All right. Assuming that there is that account, without your admitting it, assumingthat there is that dollar account, and since it is covered by the confidentiality of the Bank SecrecyDeposit Law, is it your position that the Chief Justice is exempted from reporting this asset?Mr. Roy. Based on my understanding of the law, Mr. President, anybody would be exemptedfrom disclosing the dollar accounts. That is my reading of the law. Now, if that...it appears plain inthe letter of the law that there is no qualification. That is my position.Senator Drilon. That is correct, yes.It is your position and you equate confidentiality with non-disclosure?Mr. Roy. Yes, yes, in order for the protection of the law to be complete by the owner.Senator Drilon. By the owner. And can you cite to me which particular provision of theConstitution or the law requiring the filing of the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth whichwould justify this position that because of this confidentiality, you need not report an asset in theStatement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth?Mr. Roy. Yes, Senator. I would cite you Republic Act No. 6426....