With LandBank having so few branches and ATMs, government employees have no choice but to withdraw their salaries and allowances from the ATMs of private banks which are more accessible.

“By having fewer branches and ATMs, Land Bank’s reach and accessibility to government employees, LGUs, and government aid beneficiaries are severely limited.” said Representative Lawrence “Law” Fortun.

Fortun pointed out that LandBank only has 409 branches and extension offices, 63 branch lites, and 2.195 ATMs, according to their annual reports in 2019, while BDO has 1,436 branches, 4,466 ATMs, while BPI has 1,970 branches and 2,822 ATMs.

“I note that in December 2020 Land Bank late published its 2019 report. In the second quarter of the following year, private banks generally publish their annual reports,” he added.

This situation depletes the cash supply of the private banks which are meant for their own clients. Thus, the reason why private banks impose charges on cash withdrawals from accounts in other banks.

“If LandBank does not have enough funds to expand its network of branches and ATMs, LandBank, Department of Finance and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas should work to expand the number of government depository banks, preferably those with more branches and ATMs,” said Fortun.