Ligot invokes bank secrecy

MANILA - Former Armed Forces comptroller Jacinto Ligot is objecting to an attempt by Ombudsman prosecutors to access his bank deposits. In a 20-page pleading, Ligot, through his counsels, sought the recall of a November resolution allowing prosecutors to subpoena bank officials for testimonies and documents related to Ligot's cash deposits. Ligot is said to have failed to declare financial assets in four banks in his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth when he was still in active service with the military. The defense said the attempt to pry into Ligot's bank accounts is prohibited by the bank secrecy law. Ligot and his family are facing two forfeiture cases from the Ombudsman meant to recover alleged ill-gotten wealth he supposedly amassed while with the AFP. Mornings@ANC, February 26, 2014