Olivia Barredo
April 05, 2023

The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country, and it’s no surprise that Holy Week is nothing less than a significant time for the Filipino people. As such, the country observes a variety of religious practices, and many institutions–much like banks–will surely have changes in operations. Holy Week is a time to reflect on their faith, and many choose to spend it in prayer and contemplation with friends and family from the provinces. 

With that being said, banking operations from the Philippines’ top banks will most likely have schedules that may clash with your banking needs. While ATM services and online and mobile banking might still be available, consumers are still advised to check with their respective banks for more information on their availability and schedules. But no need to worry, we’ve made a quick compilation of all the announcements released by banks across the country and dissected their banking operations to help you plan your banking needs. 

Commercial Banking Operations for Holy Week 2023

PSBank

PSBank announced that their banking operations will be held at a standstill for Holy Week, being closed on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, but did disclose that the crediting of payrolls during these holidays will still proceed. Select branches may also be open during the weekend, but only from 9AM to 3PM. PSBank will also be closed on April 10, 2023, and will resume banking operations the following day, April 11. ATM, online, and mobile banking will still be available for your banking convenience.

BDO

BDO announced that all of their branches will be closed starting April 6 to April 9–Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday. However, despite having their banks closed, their mobile services such as BDO Pay and BDO Online Banking will continue to operate during the Holy Week. No announcement has been made yet regarding their operations on April 10, Araw ng Kagitingan.

LandBank

To accommodate tax payments, Land bank has declared that they will be extending bank hours during the weekdays and will also be open during the weekends from April 1-17. The bank has released a List of Branches that contain their banking schedules throughout April 1-17, and makes note of which branches will have extended banking hours and which ones will maintain regular operating hours.  

Metrobank

Metrobank has also disclosed that select branches will be open on April 6-7 as well as April 10 , but will be observing shortened banking hours. Their select operating branches were unfortunately not listed, however consumers are encouraged to visit the branch finder on their website here for more information regarding which branches will be open during Holy Week. Regular banking operations will resume on the following day, April 11. 

Chinabank

In light of the Holy Week, Chinabank has announced that all their branches will be closed from April 6 to April 8, 2023. No announcement has been made regarding the resume of operations on Monday April 10 or Tuesday April 11. 

BPI

It has been announced that all BPI branches will be closed from April 6, 8, and 10 in observance of Holy Week and Araw ng Kagitingan, and that regular operations will resume on April 11. Despite this, rest assured ATM, Cash Accept Machines, and BPI digital banking channels such as their website and their mobile app will still be available for use and transacting during the Holy Week.

PNB

PNB has released their banking schedule for the Holy Week, and has declared that only the NAIA branches will be open on April 6, 8, and 9–Maundy Thursday, Black Saturday, and Easter Sunday respectively. All branches will be closed on Good Friday, April 7, and select branches will be open on April 10 but will have shortened banking hours.

Account holders are encouraged to visit their website and check their Holiday Banking page that contains the branches open during the Holy Week and their respective operating hours. Branches not mentioned in the list will be closed.

Security Bank

Security Bank has released an advisory that from 9PM April 6 to 7AM April 7 services will be temporarily unavailable due to a scheduled system activity. Here is a list of the services that will be held on pause:

• Full use of debit cards and cash cards, ATMs and CAMs

• Web and mobile application, DigiBanker, Cash and Trade portal IVRS, salary advance

• eGC, InstaPay and PESONet, online transactions and point of sales.

Unionbank
 

It seems as though UnionBank’s operations will be in full-pause this coming Holy Week, and most pending bank transactions will resume on Tuesday the following week, April 11, 2023. The UnionBank Alabang Town Center branch will be one of the two that will remain open during Easter Sunday from 10AM to 5PM. Additionally, the Alabang Country Club UnionBank branch will also remain open, however this time from 9AM to 3PM only. 

Additional announcements from UnionBank include:

• PESONet transfers from April 5 3PM to April 11 3PM will be processed on April 11.

• Money sent to Remittance Centers from Maundy Thursday April 6 to Black Saturday April 10 will be available for payout on the following day, April 11.

• Mobile check deposits from April 6 to 10 will be settled on April 11. 

Holy Week is an important time for Filipinos, and many observe and celebrate it by taking time off from work and spending it with their families in prayer and in solitude. Its religious significance runs deep for the Filipino people, explaining why many establishments–especially during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday–will be closed. Banking operations are no exception, and hopefully our little guide was enough to help you plan your banking needs around the Holy Week!