Recto expects Governor Diokno to bring “fresh” ideas to BSP

By Vanne Elaine Terrazola

Newly-chosen Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno may bring “fresh” ideas to the country’s banking industry, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said Tuesday as he welcomed the appointment of the former budget secretary to the agency.

 

Senator Ralph Recto (JOHN JEROME GANZON / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

Recto admitted being surprised over President Duterte’s appointment of Diokno to replace the late BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. Espenilla, 60, died last month after a battle with cancer.

“I was expecting the President to appoint someone from within but he did not. I would have appointed someone from within, if I were president but I am not the president,” Recto said in a text message to reporters.

But the Senate leader believes that Diokno would be able to fulfill his new job with the help of BSP officials, who he described as “professionals.”

“I’m sure they will help guide Sec. Diokno on his new role,” Recto said.

Recto added that Diokno, being an outsider, can contribute to the BSP with his experience in economy and government.

“Sec. Diokno being an outsider may also bring in fresh new ideas. There is also a benefit to being an outsider who understands economics. Sec Diokno understands economics and monetary policy,” Recto said.

Prior to his appointment as BSP governor, Diokno served as the chief Department of Budget of Management since 2016.