2 Cayman Island banks deny offshore accounts – Comelec chief

MANILA, Philippines —Two banks in the Cayman Islands have reportedly confirmed that Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia’s offshore accounts do not exist.

Garcia said Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd. and Cayman National Bank issued certifications that his alleged offshore accounts were non-existent.

“When I asked the banks on Tuesday if I have accounts with them, they said there are no accounts under my name,” Garcia said yesterday in a radio interview.

Garcia will present today the certifications issued by the two Cayman Island banks.

Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta on Aug. 1 claimed that Garcia owns two offshore accounts in Scotiabank and the Bank of New York Mellon that allegedly received deposits from South Korean banks.

On July 9, Marcoleta alleged that Garcia received bribes from South Korean firm Miru Systems through offshore accounts.

Comelec awarded a P17.9-billion automated election system contract to Miru in February.

Marcoleta has been lobbying against the contract awarded to Miru.

Garcia asked those behind the demolition job against him and the Comelec to stop presenting fake documents to the public.

“I hope they stop faking these documents. Aside from the affidavit, there should be a waiver of immunity to ensure we are on equal footing here in the country,” Garcia said.

Garcia sought the assistance of the US Department of Justice, under the mutual legal assistance treaty, to probe and identify those behind the allegations.