BSP assures public of continued banking services under Alert Level 3

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Friday assured the public that the banking industry will continue to provide essential services to its clients after the government placed more areas under Alert Level 3.

The government placed the National Capital Region , Bulacan, Cavite, and Rizal under Alert Level 3 from January 3 until January 15, while Laguna is under the same alert level starting January 7.

Fourteen more cities and provinces were placed under Alert Level 3 starting January 9 until 15 due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases. 

With this, the BSP reiterated its directive to its supervised financial institutions to strictly observe minimum health protocols to safeguard the safety and well-being of bank personnel and customers.

The Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), likewise, assured the public that its member-banks are committed to provide continuing services despite the recent rise of COVID-19 cases in the country.

The central bank also encouraged the public to use e-banking and digital payment services for safer and more efficient financial transactions.

Moreover, the BSP said its key services such as open market operations, PhilPaSS settlements, and servicing of cash withdrawals remain unhampered.

The BSP added that it also continues to implement strict COVID-19 measures in all central bank offices.

“These include vaccination of employees; regular sanitization of its premises; regular health screening through thermal scanning and submission of health declaration forms both for BSP employees and visitors; enhanced detection and contact tracing through regular testing; provision of comprehensive medical assistance; adoption of alternative work arrangements in keeping with IATF guidelines; and a sustained information campaign on protecting oneself from the virus,” it said.

“The BSP committed to deliver on its mandates of promoting price and financial stability, and a safe and efficient payments and settlements system throughout the pandemic,” it added.

BAP also said that its member-banks are enhancing their health protocols to protect both clients and employees from the virus, which may include temporarily closing down certain branches and shortening operating hours for routine cleaning and disinfection.

“These enhancements are in addition to existing health protocols strictly implemented by our member banks in their branches, such as the mandatory wearing of face masks and social distancing in all premises,” the bankers group said.

Under Alert Level 3, several establishments are allowed to operate at 30% indoor venue capacity only for fully vaccinated individuals and 50% outdoor venue capacity, provided that all employees are fully vaccinated.

Face-to-face classes, contact sports, funfairs/perya, and casinos are among the activities and establishments that are prohibited under Alert Level 3.

Work at government offices is limited to 60% of their onsite capacity.

The Philippines on Thursday recorded 17,220 new COVID-19 cases bringing the nationwide COVID-19 tally to 2,888,917. — RSJ, GMA News