PLDT, Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. said they will implement beginning May 1 a six-month installment payment scheme for the outstanding monthly bills of their postpaid customers.

PLDT and Smart said the objective of the six-month installment program is to ease the financial burden of their customers affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.

“Under this payment program, PLDT Home customers and Smart and Sun consumer postpaid subscribers can settle their unpaid balances as of April 30 in six equal monthly payments with 0% interest and no penalties,” they said in an advisory issued on Wednesday.

PLDT Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan said: “We hope that through this payment program, we will help keep you connected whether you are at home, the office or elsewhere after the enhanced community quarantine period. As one community, we will get through these challenging times together.”

PLDT and Smart said all postpaid accounts will be automatically enrolled for the six-month installment scheme. Customers can also pay more than the amount due for the month if they want to complete their payment earlier. Those who do not want to avail of the deferred payment scheme can pay their bills in full.

“You may pay your outstanding balance in full. You may pay in any of our online payment channels at home,” Smart and PLDT said. — Arjay L. Balinbin