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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Banking & Finance devider PNB streamlines operations, approves Bahrain office closure

PNB streamlines operations, approves Bahrain office closure

Published Sep 29, 2025 03:08 pm
The Lucio Tan Group’s lending arm, the Philippine National Bank, is undertaking reorganization in a bid to streamline its operations following the appointment of its new president, Edwin R. Bautista.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the bank stated that its Board of Directors has approved the closure of the PNB Bahrain Representative Office, subject to approval from the regulators of Bahrain.
PNB said it intends to inform the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas of the planned closure and submit a Letter of Intent to the Central Bank of Bahrain and Bahrain Ministry of Commerce.
The bank said it is also dissolving its Consumer Finance and Enterprise Services sectors while renaming its Financial Management, Strategy & Sustainability Sector to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.
PNB also announced the mandatory retirement of Executive Vice President Jose German M. Licup effective Oct. 11, 2025 and Senior Vice President Ma. Lourdes S. Liwag, effective Oct. 9, 2025.
Bautista took over the helm of the bank last April 29, 2025, as part of PNB’s ongoing strategic transformation.
“His appointment signals PNB's commitment to innovation, customer-centric banking, and long-term sustainable growth. PNB remains dedicated to modernizing its operations, enhancing financial services, and strengthening its position as one of the country's premier banking institutions,” the bank said.
Bautista brings with him a wealth of experience from UnionBank, where he played a pivotal role in driving the bank's digital transformation and expanding its retail banking.
His 27-year career at UnionBank saw the lender go from becoming the front-running digitalized bank in the country to setting it on a path to become a retail bank leader.
After a delayed retirement from UnionBank, he declared that his mission had been accomplished after completing two major milestones – the successful acquisition and migration of the Citibank Philippines retail business to UnionBank platforms, and ensuring a qualified and ready successor by 2025.

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