Bangko Sentral suspends banking operations for papal visit

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Monday said banking operations will be suspended in Metro Manila in light of the papal visit later this week.

 

The central bank said its head office in Manila and its Security Plan Complex in Quezon City, as well as the Philippine Payments and Settlements System (PhilPaSS), will be closed on Thursday, January 15, and Friday, January 16.

 

However, all regional offices and branches outside Metro Manila will be open.

 

On Monday, January 19, the BSP said PhilPaSS will be open, along with its regional offices and branches.

 

The Bangko Sentral head office, however, will be closed that day, while its cash department in Quezon City office is open for cash withdrawals only.

 

In addition, the central bank will not undertake foreign exchange transactions and open market operations, which include repurchase/reverse repurchase agreements and special deposit account transactions during the whole visit of Pope Francis.

 

"All banks and [non-bank with quasi-banking] functions are advised to make the necessary prior arrangements to ensure smooth operations leading to and immediately after the dates," Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said.

 

Malacañang declared January 15, 16 and 19, 2015 as special non-working days in Metro Manila.

 

On the other hand, Bank of the Philippine Islands announced all BPI and BPI Family Savings Bank branches in Metro Manila will be closed on January 15, 16 and 19, 2015. 

 

Branches outside NCR shall have regular banking operations, BPI said.

 

Mall branches and kiosks with Saturday and Sunday operations will be open during the holiday weekend, the Ayala-led bank added.

 

"Transactions that may be processed on these days are deposits, withdrawals, bills payments, buying and selling for foreign exchange, purchase of MC’s, and account openings," the advisory read.

 

BPI and BPI Family clients may also transact using the banks’ ATM, Express Deposit machines, internet, mobile and phone banking channels (89-100). – Danessa O. Rivera/VS, GMA News