MANILA, Philippines - Leading commercial banks--Metropolitan Bank (Metrobank), Banco de Oro (BDO) and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)--have assured their clients that their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are well-stocked with cash and other electronic means to transact are in place in the coming days.

In a statement, Metrobank announced that, out of its 720 local branches, some will be open on December 19, 20, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31, and January 2 and 3. (List of open branches available in www.metrobank.com.ph)

It said clients can also transact their bills payment and fund transfer transactions through Metrophone banking and Metrobankdirect internet banking. Other banking transactions are also accessible through its 1,150 ATMS nationwide.

For Sy-led Banco de Oro, it announced that, on December 24, branches inside the malls will be open until 3 p.m. while other its bigger stand-alone branches will be open until 1 p.m.

On the other hand, branches of Bank of the Philippine Islands, including the Express Banking Centers located mostly in malls, will be closed on December 24, 25, 30, 31 and January 1.

It urged clients to access its network of ATMs, the mobile banking and express online internet banking for their transaction needs during these dates.

Holiday plans

To prepare for long queues Automated Teller Machines (ATM) this holiday season, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said it continuously communicates with various banks to find out their money supply needs.

This is to ensure they have enough bills in the ATMs during the holiday season.

BSP deputy governor Diwa Guinigundo said the central bank has more than enough buffer bills in all denominations to deliver to banks this holiday season.

Banks were also urged to plan ahead and give advance notice to the BSP to avoid shortages in the coming weeks. Guinigundo said banks should also schedule their maintennce procedures in the evenings to avoid interrupting the flow of activity of customers during the day.

The deputy governor likewise urged the consumers to plan their budgets ahead to minimize trips to the ATMS as crowds are expected to get thicker as Christmas and New Year approach.