Can a bank be compelled to disclose the records of the accounts of a depositor under the investigation for unexplained wealth?

 

Since cases of unexplained wealth are similar to cases of bribery, dereliction of duty, no reason is seen why it cannot be excepted from the rule making bank deposits confidential. In this connection, inquiry into illegally acquired property in anti-graft cases extends to cases where such property is concealed by being held or recorded in the name of other persons. This is also because the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, bank deposits shall be taken into consideration in determining whether or not a public officer has acquired property manifestly out of proportion with his lawful income. (PNB v. Gancayco, G.R. No. L-18343, Sept. 30, 1965)