Bankers pledge ATMs will have cash

THE Cebu Bankers Club is assuring people that automated teller machines (ATM) are loaded with sufficient money to ensure that needs of customers are met during the upcoming four-day long weekend.

“We assure our bank’s clients that all members of Cebu Bankers Club are always ready during long holidays. ATMs are loaded with cash to ensure uninterrupted transactions during the period,” said Prudencio Gesta, the president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the former president of Cebu Bankers Club.

Gesta said most banks have dedicated teams to monitor cash levels of ATMs and to attend to any problems of clients.

“We enjoin clients to get the hotlines or toll free numbers of their bank in case they have problems with their ATMs or credit cards,” said Gesta, who is also Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.’s first vice president and regional sales and marketing head for the Visayas.

He also suggested that clients get the contact number of any officer of their bank for easier assistance in case of any problem.

All RCBC branches are closed on Nov.1 and Nov.2. The banks will open on Nov. 3 for their regular Saturday banking and return to regular banking schedules on Monday, Nov.5.

Banking operations of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank) will also operation on Nov.3.

“Metrobank will ensure supply of cash in their ATMs in all of its branches,” Chito Cabaero, Metrobank cluster sales head for the Visayas, said in a text message yesterday.

Cabaero, who is also a former president of Cebu Bankers Club, said people should be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs and be watchful on skimming gadgets attached to machines, as this can compromise the security features of ATM cards.

He said it is still better to withdraw money on daytime in places considered safe like malls and commercial establishments.