LOCAL banks ensured continued services amid tighter restrictions and the threat of even more measures due to the continuously rising Covid-19 cases in the country.
Several banks and bank associations have issued statements over the weekend, assuring their clients of continued operations, albeit some with modified schedules for the coming days.
BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s largest bank, said all their branches in the National Capital Region (NCR) will continue to operate on normal days, but will close early at 3:00 pm starting on Monday, January 10.
“Our clients’ safety is very important to us. Our safety protocols in the branches remain intact and our employees are vaccinated. They also go through the regular Antigen testing to ensure a safe workplace scenario,” BDO said in a statement.
The Philippine National Bank (PNB) also issued a similar statement, saying all their branches nationwide (except for mall-based and NAIA branches) will open from 9:00AM to 3:00 pm starting Monday.
“We encourage our clients to plan their banking transactions accordingly. Our PNB Internet Banking and PNB Mobile Banking App are available for your day-to-day banking transactions. Clients may download the PNB Mobile Banking App on Google Play or App Store,” PNB’s statement read.
On its website, meanwhile, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) posted a list of their closed branches starting Monday. Most of their closed branches are in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and South Luzon. Their remaining open branches, meanwhile, will be operating from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Metrobank also announced on their website a list of closed branches in the meantime to help in their fight against Covid-19. The bank said all open branches will also operate on shortened hours from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Both the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) and the Chamber of Thrift Banks (CTB) issued statements over the weekend, ensuring their clients of continued services amid the surge of cases.
The BAP said banks will continue to open and enhance their current health protocols to protect both clients and employees from the virus.
“Our member banks continuously provide innovative platforms to keep services running for clients. Operational adjustments shall also be implemented to maintain reliable and accessible services to the Filipino public,” the BAP said.
“We encourage clients to check their respective bank’s website, social media channels and announcements for further updates and information on operating hours and banking services. Online and mobile facilities are fully operational and available for clients’ convenience and protection,” it added.
Meanwhile, the CTB said most, if not all of their member-banks’ branches/units and branch lite units are open.
“While there are some bank branches that are closed in certain areas due to affected employees of the banks, the banks rotate their people to keep other branches open. Customers can transact in any open branches nearby, plus, digital platforms—mobile banking, online onboarding and ATMs are available,” CTB said.
“The banks also established split teams in all their branches since the start of the pandemic to allow them to continue to operate when one team is exposed and must be quarantined,” it added.