BPI not keen on Channels 9, 13

The Bank of the Philippine Islands denied yesterday a news report that it is interested in bidding for the two government-owned television networks, Channels 9 and 13.

"We have not expressed any interest nor intention to invest in media," BPI vice president Roni Tapia-Merk said. She also emphasized that "BPI, or any bank for that matter, is not allowed to get into media under the General Banking Act."

BPI is the most technologically advanced financial institution in the country. It has further strengthened its leadership position by launching BPI Direct, the country's first direct bank.

With its recent merger with Far East Bank and Trust Co., BPI now has 680 branches nationwide and a total of over 1,000 ATMs. BPI has managed to stay ahead of the competition in banking innovation while maintaining a solid financial reputation.

BPI was adjudged Top Domestic Bank by Euromoney and Global Finance, respectively. Also for the sixth straight year, BPI is the top bank in terms of financial soundness in the annual survey of Far Eastern Economic Review.