Title
Revised Guidelines on Authorized Govt Banks
Law
Dof Department Circular No. 001-2015
Decision Date
Jun 1, 2015
The Department of Finance establishes revised guidelines for authorized government depository banks to ensure sound management of public funds across national agencies, government-owned corporations, and local government units, promoting fiscal responsibility and transparency in financial operations.
A

Scope and Coverage

  • Applies to all National Government Agencies (NGAs), Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), Government Financial Institutions (GFIs), Government Instrumentalities with Corporate Powers (GICPs)/Government Corporate Entities (GCEs), and Local Government Units (LGUs).

Definitions of Key Terms

  • Authorized Government Depository Bank: Banks legally permitted or specially authorized by DOF and the Monetary Board to hold government deposits.
  • Government Financial Institutions: Institutions majority-owned by the government, registered or supervised by BSP, handling public funds such as GSIS and SSS.
  • Government Funds: Public monies and other resources belonging to government agencies.
  • Government Instrumentalities with Corporate Powers/Entities: Agencies with corporate powers granted by law, operating autonomously with special functions and dedicated funds (e.g., Manila International Airport Authority).
  • Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations: Corporations owned wholly or majority by the government, fulfilling public needs, including GOCCs, GICPs/GCEs, and GFIs as defined.

General Principles on Fiscal Stewardship

  • DOF acts as steward of fiscal policy, ensuring judicious management and mobilization of government resources to support developmental objectives and economic stability.
  • Bureau of Local Government Finance aids DOF in policy formulation and implementation for local government finances.
  • Implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system enhances cash management and transparency.

Government Deposit Management Guidelines

  • Mandatory adoption of TSA system by all NGAs for collection and remittance of revenues to the National Treasury.
  • NGAs, GOCCs, and certain LGUs must deposit funds with GFIs holding a universal banking license and CAMELS rating of at least "3".
  • Payment and collection services may be engaged with banks outside the specified GFIs only via a transaction fee agreement, subject to conditions and regulatory approvals.
  • Exceptions allowing accounts in banks other than prescribed GFIs include:
    • Lack of required banking products or services from GFIs.
    • Absence of GFIs within a 20-kilometer radius.
    • Security and safety concerns supported by certification from police authorities.
  • Authorized maintenance balances for GOCCs and LGUs limited to operating expenses for up to three months or PDIC coverage (Php 500,000), whichever is lower.
  • Funds beyond authorized cash balances must be transferred to authorized GFIs.
  • Prior approval procedure for opening accounts with non-prescribed banks requires detailed documentation and certifications for DOF, BTr, or BLGF review depending on the agency category.
  • Mandatory transfer of funds back to authorized GFIs when exceptional circumstances cease.

Sanctions and Enforcement

  • DOF may recommend BSP to cancel or suspend a bank's authority to hold government deposits if violating guidelines.
  • Heads of agencies are responsible for compliance; failure may result in administrative or criminal liabilities.

Repealing Clause

  • Supersedes previous DOF Orders 27-05 (2005), 32-03 (2003), 11-99 (1999), and other inconsistent issuances.

Effectivity

  • The guidelines took effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.

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