MANILA - Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), one of the banks tagged in the alleged $100 million money laundering scam, said it is now investigating the deposit of $81 million in its Jupiter branch in Makati City and transactions related to the account.

RCBC vice chairman Cesar Virata assured the public that it's still maintaining the confidentiality of its accounts, but it's also organizing a committee to look into the case.

"We assure the public that the bank is cognizant of its bank secrecy obligations and will at all times maintain confidentiality of its accounts. The bank investigation will involve a committee appointed by the board, assisted by SGV and external counsel," he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, RCBC President Lorenzo Tan said the bank is fully compliant with anti-money laundering laws, and they don't support any illegal activities for money, friendship or otherwise.

"I have been in Philippine banking for 18 years rebuilding banks, instituting reforms in Philippine and Asian banking. We don't do illegal activities like this for money, friendship or otherwise. All our actions are always according to applicable laws and BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] policies. There is a proper forum for this issue," said Tan.

Atty. Ferdie Topacio, who is reportedly the lawyer of the RCBC branch manager, earlier said he can neither confirm nor deny whether he's representing the manager, who has been suspended as part of an internal investigation.