Public told to complete bank transactions today

CEBU, Philippines – Banks have advised their clients to complete bank transactions today before the start of the four-day Holy Week break tomorrow.

Cebu Bankers Club President Gino Gonzalez said on Tuesday banks will be closed starting on Maundy Thursday (April 2) until Easter Sunday (April 5). Banks are open only until today and banking operations will resume on Monday.

The government has declared Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (April 3) as non-working holidays.

“If you plan to take a vacation outside the city, you make your withdrawals now and tomorrow, although the ATMs (automated teller machines) are available 24/7,” Gonzalez told The Freeman yesterday in a phone interview.

The bank official, however, explained heavy withdrawals usually happen before the start of the Lenten holiday, saying there will be enough cash in ATMs.

As usual, ATMs will be made available for withdrawals and inquiries during the Lenten break. As part of the standard operating procedure, he said ATMs that will go offline should be stocked up with cash immediately.

“We don’t expect much withdrawals on Thursday and Friday,” he said, adding that people usually withdraw earlier to use the money when they go to their provinces. He also said there might be some CBC member banks that will open on Saturday.

Banks have earlier issued advisories regarding operations this Holy Week.

Bank of the Philippine Islands said its branches and that of BPI Family Savings Bank will be closed starting tomorrow until April 5. Regular banking transactions shall resume on Monday, April 6.

“We encourage our clients to complete their banking transactions ahead of the holidays,” the bank noted, saying its customers are also urged to use its electronic banking channels.

BDO Unibank also said its branches will be closed from April 2 to April 5, except for some which will open on Black Saturday and Easter Sunday.

Security Bank, in its online advisory, said all its ATMs and its online banking will be available during the four-day break for the banking needs of the clients.

Philippine National Bank said its selected branches will be open to the public during the holidays.

In Cebu, only the PNB branch in Waterfront Casino will be available on April 2, 4 and 5.

Other banks likewise announced that operations in their branches will be suspended starting on Thursday but advised customers to use their various electronic channels for fund transfers, bills payments and other transactions.