Pimentel: Exclude BSP clearing units from work suspension

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Tuesday called on the Executive Department to exclude the check clearing units of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas from work suspension orders.

Pimentel made the appeal after recent work suspensions due to inclement weather and transport strike affected operations of the central bank.

“Because when check clearing operations are suspended, this disrupts the operations of many businesses who receive payments or must make payments,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel added that the work suspensions also interrupt the operations of the Philippine Stock Exchange and the country’s banks.

"I understand that jeepney strikes and activities like the ASEAN hosting make it extremely inconvenient for government employees to report for work," Pimentel said.

"But just as vital government operations like law enforcement and agencies like the MMDA remain operational during situations like these, so must a critical agency like the BSP remain open so that the business of doing business is not affected," he added.

Pimentel said that the country’s numerous local holidays and government work stoppages affect the business. He said the government should limit the work suspension “to attract investors and continue to grow the economy.”

“We have to do this if we want to be able to compete with the other developing Asian economies,” the Senate chief said.

On Monday, Malacañang announced that November 13 to 15 (Monday to Wednesday) will be special non-working days for the National Capital Region, Pampanga and Bulacan in view of the country’s hosting of the 31st ASEAN summit. —Rosette Adel