A LAWMAKER on Thursday urged the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to support the passage of the bill that seeks to examine government officials’ bank accounts to curb graft and corruption.

Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Isagani T. Zarate, author of House Bill (HB) 7146, said in a statement that the Bank Secrecy Law “has in fact become an unwitting shield and refuge of corrupt officials and employees.”

Mr. Zarate added: “If the present Duterte war on corruption is not just about bluster, it should support the passage of House Bill 7146.”

Under the proposal, government officials, including the President, Cabinet secretaries, senators and congressmen, must submit a written waiver to allow the Ombudsman to scrutinize their bank deposits. The bill is currently pending with the House committee on banks and financial intermediaries. — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz

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