PDIC starts receiving BF depositors' claims

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  - Hundreds of depositors of the beleaguered Banco Filipino Savings and Mortgage Bank branch in Iloilo City could now file their claims following the bank's closure last month.

The state-run Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) announced it will start receiving claims for insured deposits of the closed Banco Filipino starting yesterday until May 11.

In its website, PDIC advised depositors to file their claims on the appointment date based on the alphabetical order of their surnames during Claims Receiving Period in the branch where they maintained their deposits.

Receiving of claims will be from Monday to Friday, starting at 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

PDIC officials also reminded depositors to bring with them the complete requirements in filing their claims, which include the duly accomplished claim form and claim status sheet (CSS). The claim form and CSS should have signatures of depositor on the claim form and CSS should be similar to the valid IDs to be presented; for minor depositor, parent should sign the claim form and CSS; and for By or ITF accounts, the agent can sign the Claim Form and CSS.

Also needed is the original evidence of deposit such as savings passbook, certificate of time deposit, bank statement including unused checks or ATM card.

For joint accounts, the evidence of deposit should be photocopied as many copies as there are depositors to the account.

Depositors will also be required to present enlarged and clear photocopies of two valid photo-bearing identification documents (IDs) with signature of depositor/claimant (e.g. Driver's License, SSS/ GSIS ID, Senior Citizen's ID, Passport, PRC ID, OWWA/ OFW ID, Seaman's ID, Alien Certification of Registration ID, Voter's ID, IBP).

PDIC said it will not accept claims which are incomplete/lacking in basic requirements.

In accordance with the provisions of R.A. 3591, as amended, the last day for filing claims for insured deposit in the closed Banco Filipino is on March 18, 2013. After the said date, PDIC, as insurer, shall no longer accept any claim for insured deposits maintained with the said closed bank.

As reported, PDIC plans to start the pay out for these accounts in July.   —/WAB (FREEMAN)