Export bank depositors to start receiving claims next week

THE Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) announced on Wednesday that it will start the onsite claims settlement operations for the depositors of closed Export and Industry Bank (EIB) starting June 19.

The state-insurer said that the claims settlement operations for 50 banking units of EIB will be conducted in three batches - the first on June 19, second on June 29, and third on July 11.

"Filing of claim for deposit insurance of depositors with valid deposit balances of P10,000 and below is waived. Depositors included in this category are those who have no outstanding obligation with the bank; no other deposit with balance above P10,000; and complete mailing address found in the bank records. These depositors were already sent their checks," PDIC said.

All depositors of EIB including those with deposit balances of P10,000 and below who do not qualify as stated above, PDIC said were advised to proceed to the designated payout sites of each branch to get their Priority Number.

The priority number corresponds to a specific appointment date to be posted at the designated payout site of each banking unit of EIB.

Depositors must present their evidence of deposit to be issued the appropriate number.

The agency advised the depositors who were issued priority numbers to proceed to the bank premises or designated payout site on their appointment date during the Claims Settlement Period from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"Depositors who fail to appear during their appointment date may not be accommodated by the PDIC representatives during the Claims Settlement Period," it said.

For individual depositors with Automated Teller Machine (ATM) account will be paid without need for filing claims.

Qualified depositors are advised to print the ATM Balance Confirmation Receipt (BCR) at any designated ATM sites starting on the dates indicated below.

Depositors who have balances appearing in the ATM BCR should proceed to the designated payout sites for the issuance of a separate Priority Number. The Priority Number also corresponds to a specific appointment date. The appointment dates shall be posted at the designated payout sites. Depositors must present their ATM Card and ATM BCR, to be issued the appropriate Priority Number.

There are no fees or charges for the processing or payment of all deposit insurance claims, PDIC said.

PDIC advised the public to transact only with authorized agency representatives.

In accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 3591, as amended, the last day for filing claims (prescriptive date) for insured deposits in the closed Export and Industry Bank are on April 28, 2014. After April 28, 2014, PDIC, as insurer, shall no longer accept any claim for insured deposits maintained with the said closed bank. (SDR/Sunnex)