Banks open during ASEAN meet

MANILA, Philippines — It’s business as usual for Philippine banks during the non-working holidays next week as the country hosts the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

In a public service announcement, the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) said its member banks would remain fully operational particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR) from Nov. 13 to 15.

“In addition, we request clients to look for announcements or contact their respective banks, particularly bank branches in the affected areas in the NCR, Pampanga and Bulacan, for their banking schedule,” the BAP said.

President Duterte issued Proclamation 332 declaring Nov. 13 to 15 as special non-working holidays in NCR, Bulacan, and Pampanga due to the hosting of the ASEAN Summit.

BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s largest bank, said almost all its mall and non-mall branches would continue to serve the clients and the general public next week.

The bank said its Roxas-Blvd. Salas branch would be closed on Nov. 13 while its EDSA-POEA branch would be closed from Nov. 13 to 15.

“BDO’s electronic banking channels are likewise ready to accommodate various banking transactions,” it said.

Sy-led China Banking Corp. said only three branches — Macapagal Ave. — Aseana in Paranaque City; Macapagal Ave. – Biopolis in Pasay City; and Solemare in Paranaque City would be closed from Nov. 13 to 15 due to road lockdowns.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. of taipan George SK Ty said most of its branches in Metro Manila, Pampanga and Bulacan, are open during the ASEAN holidays.

“Our branch personnel will be happy to assist you in making advance arrangements for any critical transactions on these dates. Checks deposited and received during these dates shall be processed and given value on the same date,” Metrobank said in a statement.

Metrobank’s thrift bank arm, Philippine Savings Bank, also said its branches are ready to serve clients and the general public from Monday to Wednesday next week.

On the other hand, Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands said most BPI and BPI Family Savings Bank branches are open next week during the ASEAN Summit.

The country’s third largest banks said only a few BPI branches affected by traffic restrictions or office closures as a result of the ASEAN Summit are closed.

“We will be happy to provide full branch services to our customers during the entire duration of the 31st ASEAN Summit,” BPI executive vice president and retail banking head Joseph Gotuaco said.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espnilla Jr. issued Memorandum 2017 – 035 stating clearing and settlement, cash servicing, and treasury operations would observe normal operations from Nov. 13 to 15.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. and Securities Clearing Corp. of the Philippines informed market participants and the investing public there will be trading during the ASEAN holidays.

“We have been advised by the Bankers Association of the Philippines that there will be foreign exchange trading on said dates and that the Philippine Clearing House Corp., the Philippine Domestic Dollar Transfer System.