The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has approved temporary relief measures to help banks and borrowers cope with rising energy costs and supply issues linked to tensions in the Middle East.
The measures were approved under Monetary Board Resolution No. 296 dated April 8, 2026, following the government’s declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency on March 24, 2026.
Under the new rules, banks supervised by the BSP may offer affected borrowers a grace period of up to six months on loan payments. Agricultural borrowers may also receive payment deferments of up to one year, depending on bank assessment.
Loans covered by the relief may also be temporarily excluded from being classified as past due or non-performing for up to one year, subject to reporting requirements.
The BSP said banks must apply these measures carefully and only to borrowers whose ability to repay has been significantly affected by the energy crisis.
The central bank also encouraged financial institutions to temporarily waive fees on online banking and e-money services, including InstaPay and PESONet, to ease costs for consumers and businesses.
The BSP said the steps aim to support lending, protect consumers, and maintain financial stability during the ongoing energy emergency.
