Duterte names Diokno as new central bank chief

March 4, 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte has named Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno as the next central bank governor.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, in a text message to reporters, said Diokno will be the successor of late Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr.

In a separate text message, Diokno, 70, said the President informed him of his new appointment at "7pm" Monday.

He will formally assume his new post on Tuesday, he said.

Espenilla died on February 23 after battling from tongue cancer. Celerina Monte/DMS