Former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said an “insider” or one from within the institution would be the best choice to succeed Nestor Espenilla Jr. who died of cancer last week.
Tetangco did not hide his sentiment on who should succeed the late governor during the necrological services held for Espenilla Thursday afternoon at the Bangko Sentral.
“There is nothing better than the one from within,” Tetangco said in his speech.
Tetangco recalled that like him, Espenilla also grew within the BSP. Nesting, as he was fondly called by his colleagues and friends, graduated from the UP School of Economics.
He joined BSP right after graduation and rose to become the governor of the monetary institution after years of effective and excellent service.
“Laking [homegrown at] BSP—that is how he called himself on the day of his inauguration,” Tetangco said.
Reports earlier said among the choices to succeed Espenilla are the three deputy governors—Diwa Guinigundo, Chuchi Fonacier and Maria Almasara Cyd Tuano Amador.
Espenilla passed away on Feb. 23, 2019 at the age of 60. He had been undergoing treatment for tongue cancer for more than a year.
Espenilla was appointed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on July 3, 2017 as BSP Governor and Monetary Board chairman. He concurrently served as ex-officio chairman of the Anti-Money Laundering Council, Philippine International Convention Center and the Financial Stability Coordination Council.
