Businessman William Go, tagged as a key figure in the $81-million money laundering case, said he never opened an account with Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Jupiter branch in Makati, contrary to claims of its branch manager.

Speaking to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Tuesday, Go said he never visited the branch, and that he never authorized anyone to open an account under his name.

"I strongly deny these allegations. Wala pong katotohanan ang mga paratang na ito. I never opened an account with RCBC Jupiter branch. Kahit kailan ay hindi rin ako pumunta sa branch na iyon ng RCBC. Hindi rin po ako nag-authorize kahit kanino to open an account under my name in RCBC Jupiter," he said.

It was through Go's supposed bank account in RCBC that the $81-million remitted from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York was consolidated before it was converted to pesos.

RCBC Jupiter branch manager Maia Santos Deguito also claimed that it was Kim Wong who ordered the opening of a dollar account under Go's name.

Go, through his lawyer Ramon Esguerra, earlier said he knew nothing of the opening of the dollar account.