MANILA, Philippines - Sterling Bank of Asia has opened five new branches, thus bringing its total branch network to 33 in just four years of operations. The new branches are located at Leviste Street in Makati City, Ninoy Aquino Avenue in Pasay City, Timog Avenue and Congressional Avenue in Quezon City and in Cagayan de Oro City. Sterling Bank president and chief executive officer Lamberto R. Villena said that the bank also uses online signature verification facility that allows all its branches to electronically access the records of any Sterling Bank clients. Through this facility, depositors can encash their checks at any Sterling Bank branch. As such, all 33 branches become the home branch to all Sterling Bank depositors regardless of where they opened their accounts.