BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. on Tuesday confirmed he will continue to be out of the office for treatment.
Espenilla told reporters in a prepared statement he is extending his leave for another two weeks.
Last month, the governor—who has a battle with his early stage tongue cancer earlier this year—announced he will be out of the office from September 19 to October 2 for treatment.
With his leave, Espenilla was not able to preside over the recent monetary policy meeting on September 27. BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier sat in his place as officer-in-charge.
“I’ve decided to extend my medical leave for another two weeks. My treatment is progressing very well. But I’ve got to give it the best chance possible,” Espenilla said Tuesday afternoon.
“A central banker is a natural conservative,” he added.
Espenilla is expected to return in mid-October.
It was in February when the central bank governor revealed he was diagnosed and treated for tongue cancer, detected only a few months before 2017 ended.
The BSP monetary board—where Espenilla sits as chair—will be having its next monetary policy meeting on November 15.
Image credits: Carlo Gabuco/Bloomberg