By UnionBank Human Resources Group
In early 2024, UnionBank confronted a long-standing challenge: 34 unresolved fraud cases dating back as far as 2004, amounting to ₱287 million in losses previously written off and recorded under Accounts Receivable. These cases—ranging from internal fraud to external collusion—were complex, dormant, and widely considered irrecoverable. But under the leadership of Bon Belleza, the Branch Channel Management (BCM) team took on the task of reviving and resolving them, transforming a legacy liability into a story of resilience, accountability, and impact.
Bon designed and implemented a tailored case management framework focused on fraud resolution. The team conducted a full audit of the dormant cases, mobilized cross functional collaboration with Legal, Security, and Audit, and delegated investigative leadership to BCM officers. Real-time communication channels were established to align strategies and accelerate decision-making. Mentorship and skill-building were embedded into the process, empowering the team to take ownership and build investigative capability.
The initiative went beyond paperwork—it involved active investigations, stakeouts, and coordination with law enforcement. Legal cases were revived, new ones filed, and suspects who had evaded capture for years were finally located and apprehended. Every action was guided by ethical standards and regulatory compliance, reinforcing UnionBank’s commitment to integrity and institutional trust.
As of September 2025:
• 11 out of 34 cases have been resolved, recovering ₱111 million—a 38.7% recovery rate.
• 23 cases remain under active investigation, representing ₱175 million in potential recoveries.
• The initiative strengthened UnionBank’s financial position, restored customer confidence, and sent a clear message of justice and accountability.
• It also elevated team morale, fostered professional growth, and established a sustainable framework for fraud prevention and case management.
This success story reflects UnionBank’s belief that no challenge is too old or too complex to solve when approached with courage, collaboration, and purpose. It’s a testament to the Bank’s ability to reimagine what’s possible—turning dormant losses into recovered value, and transforming a legacy problem into a future-ready solution, remaining true the Great Transformation aspiration.
