30-Day Mandatory Grace Period to All Loans within the Enhanced Community Quarantine

MEMORANDUM NO. M-2020-017

To: All BSP-Supervised Financial Institutions (BSFIs)

Subject: Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Section 4(aa) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11469, Otherwise Known As the "Bayanihan to Heal As One Act"

All BSFIs are required to comply with Section 4 (aa) of R.A. No. 11469 or the "Bayanihan to Heal As One Act" and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (copy attached).

The attached IRR prescribes the guidelines for the implementation of R.A. No. 11469. It mandates all covered institutions to implement a 30-day grace period to all loans with principal and/or interest falling due within the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) period, without incurring interest on interest, penalties, fees, and other charges. The 30-day grace period shall apply to each loan of individuals and entities with multiple loans.

Covered institutions shall not charge or apply interest on interest, fees, and charges during the 30-day grace period to future payments/amortizations of the borrowers. They are likewise prohibited from requiring their clients to waive the application of the provisions of the "Bayanihan to Heal As One Act". No waiver previously executed by borrowers covering payments falling due during the ECQ period shall be valid.

The accrued interest for the 30-day grace period may be paid by the borrower on staggered basis over the remaining life of the loan. Nonetheless, this shall not preclude the borrower from paying the accrued interest in full on the new due date.

The initial 30-day grace period shall automatically be extended if the ECQ period is extended by the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

For information and strict implementation.

BENJAMIN E. DIOKNO

Governor

1 April 2020