Banks to stay open on 'National Day of Protest'.

MANILA - Banks will remain open for business on Sept. 21 Thursday despite Malacañang's suspension of work in government offices and public schools, the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) said Wednesday. 

"Normal check clearing operations, trading and other financial transactions will be observed to fully serve the banking public," the BAP said in a statement. 

The central bank also said it will be business as usual for them despite President Duterte's declaration of Sept. 21 as a "national day of protest." 

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said the central bank's clearing and settlement, cash servicing as well as treasury operations would continue in support of normal banking operations on Thursday.

However, all other BSP operations will be suspended tomorrow. 

"We're working on business as usual, at least to the extent necessary to support market and bank operations," he said.

Espenilla added that the meeting of the BSP's Monetary Board would likewise push as scheduled on Thursday.

The BSP is expected to keep interest rates steady on Thursday.

Various groups plan to hold protests nationwide on Thursday against extra-judicial killings as well as the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

Tomorrow is also the 45th anniversary of former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos' declaration of martial law.