MANILA, Philippines — Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. went on a two-week medical leave anew starting yesterday as he continues to battle tongue cancer, this time to seek treatment abroad.
In an advisory, the central bank’s Corporate Affairs Office said the BSP chief is on medical leave from Jan. 4 to 21 to obtain medical care overseas as part of his continuing treatment program.
Espenilla, 60, had said his treatment was progressing very well.
This is Espenilla’s fourth medical leave since revealing in February last year he had a health scare – a bout with tongue cancer that was detected in November 2017.
He immediately went under the knife to remove the tumor and underwent radiation therapy. He had been taking intermittent medical leaves.
His last medical leave was from Sept. 19 to Oct. 2 but was extended for another two weeks or until Oct. 19.
Espenilla has served as BSP governor for one year and five 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.
While the central bank governor is away, BSP deputy governors Diwa Guinigundo and Maria Almasara Cyd Tuaño-Amador will take turns as officer-in-charge in accordance with established business continuity protocols.
“As an organization, the BSP remains focused on its mandate to ensure stable prices and maintain a sound financial system,” the central bank said.
External and domestic shocks rocked emerging markets, including the Philippines, last year.