BDO, BPI push system upgrades

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine banks continue to upgrade their respective systems to service their clients better.

In an advisory, BDO Unibank Inc. of the Sy family said it was embarking on the next phase of a series of upgrades during the Holy Week from April 19 to 20 following last month’s successful implementation of key improvements involving its electronic banking services.

The country’s largest bank said its automated teller machines (ATMs), mobile and online banking as well as debit and cash card transactions would be temporarily inaccessible to clients starting 8 p.m. on April 19 (Good Friday) to 12 noon on April 20 (Black Saturday).

BDO branches, meanwhile, are closed from April 18 (Maundy Thursday) to April 21 (Easter Sunday) in observance of the Holy Week.

“We are advising our clients and the general public to perform their banking transactions ahead of this scheduled activity to avoid any inconvenience,” BDO said.

The system improvement, once completed, will help BDO provide better service to its growing number of clients and offer banking convenience to even more Filipinos.

Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is also undertaking a systems upgrade.

The country’s fourth largest bank in terms of assets said the major systems upgrade started last Friday evening and would be completed early today to provide clients with enhanced banking experience.

“During this time, our online banking, mobile app, Bizlink platform, and ATMs as well as debit and prepaid card services will be temporarily unavailable,” BPI said in an advisory.

Meanwhile, Gotianun-led East West Banking Corp. also performed system maintenance early Sunday, affecting its website as well as its mobile and travel money services.