Banco Filipino Shutdown and Its Consequences

Author

Reads 8K

Smiling businessman in office analyzing financial graphs on a large screen, demonstrating professional success.
Credit: pexels.com, Smiling businessman in office analyzing financial graphs on a large screen, demonstrating professional success.

Banco Filipino was shut down by the Philippine Central Bank in 2010 due to a series of financial irregularities.

The shutdown had a significant impact on the bank's customers, with many left without access to their accounts.

Over 100 Banco Filipino branches were closed, leaving thousands of people without a place to bank.

The shutdown also had a ripple effect on the Philippine economy, as the bank's closure led to a loss of confidence in the banking system.

Banco Filipino Closure

Banco Filipino was closed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in 2011 due to excessive liabilities, but the bank disputes this claim, stating it had more than enough assets to cover its liabilities.

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) has been working to settle the closed bank's deposit liabilities, with 53% of deposits of P5,000 or less already settled.

Depositors with accounts of at least P10,000 when the bank closed will receive payment starting June 2011.

2011 Closure

Detailed view of a Mexican peso banknote featuring Banco de México text.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed view of a Mexican peso banknote featuring Banco de México text.

In 2011, Banco Filipino faced a major crisis when it was closed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The bank was accused of exceeding its assets with 8.4 billion pesos worth of liabilities, which is against Philippine law.

This move was a significant blow to the bank's depositors, who had entrusted their savings to Banco Filipino. The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) stepped in to help, but the process of settling the bank's liabilities was a long and complex one.

The PDIC revealed that it had settled 53 percent of the closed bank's deposit liabilities, which contained P5,000 or less in their accounts at the time of closure. This means that many small depositors were able to recover some of their money.

Banco Filipino's own account of its assets was disputed, with the bank claiming to have 31.4 billion worth of properties and 23.8 billion pesos worth of liabilities, leaving it with 1.6 billion pesos of positive assets. However, this claim was not accepted by the authorities.

Take a look at this: Renta 4 Banco

Closed Signage
Credit: pexels.com, Closed Signage

The PDIC was able to pay out to depositors whose accounts had at least P10,000 when the bank went on a holiday, starting in June 2011. This was a welcome relief for many who had been left in financial limbo.

Here's a summary of the key dates and figures related to the closure:

  • 2011: Banco Filipino closed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
  • June 2011: PDIC starts paying out to depositors with at least P10,000
  • 53% of deposit liabilities settled by PDIC

CA Upholds Liquidation

The Court of Appeals (CA) has made it official: Banco Filipino's liquidation is here to stay. The CA upheld the liquidation of Banco Filipino Savings and Mortgage Bank by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC).

The CA's decision, dated 14 October 2021, denied the motion for reconsideration filed by the bank's majority stockholder, Metropolis Development Corporation (MDC). The CA deemed MDC's arguments as lacking merit.

Banco Filipino's corporate life expired on 25 June 2014, making MDC's petition for certiorari moot. The CA's previous resolution in 2020 already dismissed MDC's petition.

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) was established in 1963 to provide depositor protection and maintain financial system stability.

If this caught your attention, see: Bramer Banking Corporation

Lessons Learned

Asian woman working in a bright office, calculating finance on a desk with a laptop.
Credit: pexels.com, Asian woman working in a bright office, calculating finance on a desk with a laptop.

As I reflect on the story of Banco Filipino, I realize that one of the most important lessons learned is the importance of prudent risk management.

The bank's aggressive lending practices and investments in the 1980s ultimately led to its downfall, highlighting the dangers of taking on too much risk.

Banco Filipino's failure to maintain a strong capital base made it vulnerable to market fluctuations.

A bank's capital adequacy ratio is a critical indicator of its financial health, and Banco Filipino's ratio was woefully inadequate.

The bank's management was also criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability, which contributed to the crisis.

In hindsight, it's clear that Banco Filipino's demise was a result of a combination of factors, including poor risk management, inadequate capital, and a lack of transparency.

The bank's failure serves as a cautionary tale for financial institutions and regulators alike, emphasizing the need for robust risk management and regulatory oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the founder of Banco Filipino?

Banco Filipino was founded by Tomas Aguirre, a member of the Agencia de Empeños de Aguirre pawnshop family, in 1964. He established the bank with financial support from his family's business.

What is the slogan of Banco Filipino?

The slogan of Banco Filipino is "Subok na Matibay, Subok na Matatag", which translates to "Proven to be Stable, Proven to be Strong". This reflects the bank's commitment to financial stability and strength.

Tasha Kautzer

Senior Writer

Tasha Kautzer is a versatile and accomplished writer with a diverse portfolio of articles. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she has successfully covered a wide range of topics, from the lives of notable individuals to the achievements of esteemed institutions. Her work spans the globe, delving into the realms of Norwegian billionaires, the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy, and the experiences of Norwegian emigrants to the United States.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.