Impeachment trial lightens up over Bank Secrecy Law's confidentiality clause

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero draws a lighthearted moment to the Impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte while clarifying a fundamental aspect of Republic Act 1405, or the Bank Secrecy Law, on Oct. 7, 2026. Defense counsel Michael Poa and Escudero questioned BPI Central Manila Division Head Marwin Galvez regarding whether a spouse could access or inquire into their partner's individual bank account. Galvez confirmed that under RA 1405, individual bank accounts remain strictly confidential, meaning a spouse cannot check account details without a valid Special Power of Attorney or a court order—even if they present a marriage certificate or share an Absolute Community of Property regime. Escudero lightened the atmosphere of the trial with a remark to Senate President Win Gatchalian, 'So now you know.' VIDEO FROM SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES Check out our Streaming Channel: https://streaming.manilatimes.net/ Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.net Follow us: Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital Check out our Podcasts: Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer Tune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein #TheManilaTimes #TMTNews #ImpeachmentTrial #Philippines