BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. will be on leave for more than two weeks to seek medical treatment overseas.
In a statement on Friday, the central bank said Mr. Espenilla will be on leave from Jan. 4-21, 2019 to obtain “medical care overseas as part of his continuing treatment program.”
In accordance with the bank’s continuity protocols, Deputy Governors Diwa C. Guinigundo and Ma. Almasara Cyd N. Tuaño-Amador will take turns as officer in charge while Mr. Espenilla is away, the BSP added.
Mr. Guinigundo will start his official term as OIC immediately until Jan. 13, handing over to Ms. Tuaño-Amador who will serve between Jan. 14-21.
The Mr. Espenilla announced in February 2018 that he has recovered from early-stage tongue cancer diagnosed in late 2017.
At that time, Mr. Espenilla was expecting a full recovery “in a month or so” following radiation therapy, which he completed after the removal of the tumor.
Mr. Espenilla, now 60, took a medical leave from Sept. 19 to Oct. 2, which was extended for another two weeks.
“As an organization, the BSP remains focused on its mandate to ensure stable prices and maintain a sound financial system,” the central bank added.
Mr. Espenilla took over at the central bank in July 2017 after his appointment to succeed Amando M. Tetangco, Jr.
Prior to being named governor, he served the BSP for over 30 years, including as deputy governor for bank supervision. — Karl Angelo N. Vidal

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