BSP extends regulatory relief to BSFIs amid energy emergency

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is extending regulatory relief measures to BSP-supervised financial institutions (BSFIs) and their clients, in response to recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East, which have contributed to rising energy prices and supply constraints.

Approved under Monetary Board Resolution No. 296 dated 08 April 2026, the relief measures aim to support lending activity and borrower recovery. The move follows the declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency on 24 March 2026.

These measures include, among others, the grant of temporary grace periods of up to six (6) months for loan payments of affected borrowers, and the deferment of agricultural loan payments for up to one (1) year, subject to bank assessment.

Loans to affected borrowers may also be temporarily excluded from past due and non-performing loan classifications for up to one (1) year, subject to applicable notification and reporting requirements.

BSFIs are expected to exercise prudent judgment in availing these measures and to ensure that relief is extended only to borrowers whose repayment capacity has been materially affected by the energy emergency. The BSP emphasizes that the application for regulatory relief must remain targeted, proportionate, and consistent with safe and sound banking practices.

The BSP also urges BSFIs to help consumers and businesses during the national emergency by temporarily suspending fees and charges on online banking platforms or e-money services, including InstaPay and PESONet electronic fund transfers. Lower-cost digital transactions may help consumers and businesses by reducing the need for transportation to banks and e-money service providers.
​
The BSP remains committed to promoting financial stability, financial consumer protection, and overall financial health amid the energy emergency.​