A retired Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) branch manager testified on Wednesday during the 10th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, calling the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) massive cash withdrawals “unusual” compared to other government clients.
Violeta Constantino told the Senate impeachment court that the OVP transferred its account to the LandBank Shaw Boulevard branch in September 2022 following its relocation to Mandaluyong City.
When questioned by Senator Erwin Tulfo on whether government agencies typically made cash withdrawals of that magnitude, Constantino confirmed the practice was non-standard.
“Wala po. Unusual po ito,” Constantino stated.
Asked why bank personnel did not question the purpose behind such massive transactions, she explained that standard protocol was followed on the client’s end.
“Kasi po may advise naman po siya. Kumbaga dumaan naman po ito sa proseso nila. Kaya, I don’t think po na magtanong pa kami,” Constantino said.
Constantino added that bank staff were unaware the funds were allegedly earmarked for confidential and intelligence expenses.
“Hindi po. Sa personal opinion namin, sa banko. Parang syempre po, ‘Saan kaya gagamitin po yung cash na to?’ Pero hindi naman po namin tinanong na kasi may advice naman po siya,” she testified.
Under cross-examination by Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, the former bank official clarified that while the transactions were atypical, they were “not suspicious” and did not break any laws.
She noted that state agencies must adhere to standard procedures for large cash movements, but most have transitioned to electronic banking and payroll systems, making regular heavy cash withdrawals rare.
The testimony comes as the Senate impeachment court examines Article I of the charges against Duterte, which alleges the misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds across the OVP and the Department of Education.