THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) suspended on Friday the clearing operations, prompting the Philippine Stock Exchange to halt trading.

The central bank made the suspension following the announcement made by Malacanang of work suspension in government offices in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Under BSP guidelines, clearing operations are suspended if work suspension is announced before 9 a.m.

In a separate advisory, the PSE said that there was no trading on Friday and no clearing and settlement at the Securities Clearing Corporation of the Philippines "due to the suspension of clearing and settlement operations in the Philippine banking system."

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. earlier announced the suspension of classes and work in government offices in Metro Manila and 16 nearby provinces due to heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Mario. (SDR/Sunnex)