By Ria Fernandez
Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada believes that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is in good hands now that it is under the leadership of former Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno.
Manila Mayor Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada (FILE PHOTO / JANSEN ROMERO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Diokno was chosen by President Rodrigo Duterte to replace Nestor Espenilla, Jr., who succumbed to tongue cancer last Feb. 23, as BSP governor.
Estrada said that the appointment of Diokno, who also served as his budget chief during his presidency, speaks of his high integrity and financial expertise.
"He is well-known to be excellent in financial analysis and fiscal management. This is why I trusted him," he said.
With this, the former chief executive expressed confidence that Diokno is capable of making the country’s banking and financial institution stronger.
“The allegations pertaining to budget insertion hurled against him by some lawmakers are all untrue,” Estrada said.
“Diokno’s integrity is unstained that is why President Duterte appointed him as BSP Governor,” he added.