Village Connect
AMA Rural Bank of Mandaluyong Inc. (ARB), led by businessman Amable Aguiluz, is demanding that the Department of Education (DepEd) remit P1.495 billion in unremitted collections from public school teachers. The bank has warned of potential legal action against key DepEd officials if the funds are not released.
In a letter dated February 12, 2025, ARB’s chief operating officer, Felino H. Esquivias Jr., called on DepEd Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn M. Sevilla to transfer the funds within five days. The unremitted amount consists of P734.57 million collected between September 2019 and April 2022, and an additional P760.6 million gathered from May to November 2022, all under the Automatic Payroll Deduction System.
According to ARB, Sevilla acknowledged the initial sum in a letter dated May 2022 but has not yet transferred the money. The bank emphasized that if DepEd does not comply, it will file complaints against Sevilla and other involved officials with the Ombudsman and the Civil Service Commission.
ARB is pressing for the immediate release of the funds, stressing the importance of accountability and transparency. The situation underscores the ongoing financial dispute between ARB and DepEd, potentially leading to significant legal consequences for the education department’s officials if the matter remains unresolved.
