by Mai Gacilo Sangalang · Published on BusinessMirror February 11, 2026
EARLIER this week, I requested someone to deposit a check for me. My bank, however, didn’t accept the check because it didn’t include centavos in the amount field.
I got reminded that the Philippine Clearing House Corp. (PCHC) implemented new check rules effective July last year, standardizing formats for automated check processing.
The new format requires dates in MM-DD-YYYY numeric style. Amounts in figures should have centavos and no symbols should be written before or after the figures. When issuing a check, avoid symbols or spaces in the amount box, multiple payees, erasures as well as pre-signed checks, stables and stains. Old checks are also no longer accepted for clearing.
These guidelines are in line with prevailing clearing house standards and banking regulations to promote check processing accuracy. Checks that do not comply with the new format will be rejected or if returned, will be subject to fees and charges.
Even as a banker, I overlooked and failed to double check before attempting to deposit the check.
The Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines (BMAP), hence, is reminding the banking public to always exercise diligence when issuing checks to avoid inconvenience, delays and bank-imposed charges for technical issues. The charges are around P1,000 to P2,200 for every returned check at most banks, plus additional daily penalties. Complying with the new guidelines will ensure that your checks are processed smoothly and without delay.
BMAP elects new set of officers
A new set of officers was elected recently and returning BMAP Director Catherine Santamaria, SVP and Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at BPI, takes the helm as new president.
Other officers are Aileen Vallesteros (Chinabank) as Vice President, Judith Songlingco (Philippine Business Bank) as Secretary, Jean Valen Yu (RCBC) as Treasurer, Edelyn Castro (Maybank) as Auditor, Catherine Villanueva (LandBank) as Director for Programs, Eric Montelibano (CSBank) as Director for Membership, Jennifer Ng (PNB) as Director for Ways and Means, Angeline Marie Angeles (GoTyme) as Director for Publicity and Digital Marketing and Yayu Javier (Avanza, Inc.) as non-bank Director and Election Chair. I will continue to serve as the Director for Industry Relations, Banking Code and Financial Inclusion.
We thank Eric for his leadership last year.
With four new and eight returning directors this year, we are excited to build on the strong foundation of the BMAP and bring fresh energy, collaboration and meaningful programs this year for its members.
We look forward to roll out initiatives that will engage, support and benefit the banking industry, which include the “200 Years of Banking” coffee table book, the Great Bank (Fun) Run, the Bank Marketing Academy course offerings in partnership with Asian Institute of Management, well-thought-out learning sessions and continuing collaboration and partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
On to the new year!
Mai Gacilo Sangalang is a past president of the Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines (BMAP) and currently its Director for Industry Relations, Banking Code and Financial Inclusion. Sangalang is the Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing of Standard Chartered Bank Philippines. She can be reached by emailing maigsangalang@yahoo.com. The writer’s views do not necessarily reflect those of Standard Chartered Bank, the BusinessMirror and the BMAP.