BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. goes on indefinite leave

MANILA, Philippines — Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. has filed an indefinite leave of absence as he continues to battle tongue cancer.

Espenilla issued a memo designating BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier as officer-in-charge starting Jan. 22.

“Effective Jan. 22 and for the duration of my leave of absence, Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier is hereby designated officer-in-charge of the BSP and the governor’s alternate during the meetings of the Monetary Board,” Espenilla said in a memo.

Espenilla has gone on medical leave five times since disclosing in February last year he had a health scare – a bout with tongue cancer that was detected in November 2017.

The BSP chief last went on a two-week medical leave anew last Jan. 4 until Jan. 21 to seek treatment abroad. He was supposed to return yesterday.

Espenilla. 60, immediately went under the knife to remove the tumor and underwent radiation therapy. He had been taking intermittent medical leaves.

Espenilla has served as BSP governor for one year and six months of his six-year term. He assumed office in July 2017 replacing former BSP governor Amando Tetangco Jr. who served an unprecedented two six-year terms.

The BSP is scheduled to host the annual reception for the banking community on Jan. 25 wherein the central bank governor together with the members of the Monetary Board lead the toast with major stakeholders of the industry.

Fonacier, for her part, confirmed she has indeed been designated as OIC.

 “(The) information on duration is not yet available as of now,” Fonacier said in a text message.