BSP releases operating schedule during papal visit

MANILA, Philippines – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) advises the public of the following schedules and limited transactions on January 15, 16, and 19 – Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines:

The Philippine Payments and Settlements System will be closed on January 15 and 16.

BSP regional offices and branches will be open on January 15 and 16.

The BSP head office in Manila and the BSP Security Plant Complex in Quezon City will be closed on the same dates.

The central bank will also not undertake foreign exchange/swap transactions and open market operations, including repurchase/ everse repurchase agreements and special deposit account transactions on January 15, 16, and 19.

The reserve position computed at close of business on January 14, Wednesday, will apply on January 19, Monday, since the special non-working days are considered as non-reserve days, BSP noted.

As Pope Francis departs for Rome on Monday, January 19, the BSP said PhilPaSS will be open on January 19 to settle cleared transactions of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), which will resume trading as well.

BSP regional offices and branches will be open on January 19, but the head office will be closed on that day.

The BSP cash department in the Security Plant Complex in Quezon City will be open for cash withdrawals only on January 19.

BSP also advised banks and non-banks with quasi-banking functions (NBWBs) to make the necessary prior arrangements to ensure smooth operations leading to and immediately after the papal visit. Malacañang has declared January 15, 16, and 19 as special, non-working holidays in Metro Manila. – Rappler.com



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