BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno
MANILA – Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno will be attending the policy-making Monetary Board’s (MB) second rate-setting meet for the year on Thursday after he tested negative for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Asked by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) for validation of reports about the result of his Covid-19 test, Diokno said: “confirmed.”
In a statement Wednesday night, the central bank said Diokno went on self-quarantine “as a precaution” that ends March 18.
Diokno’s decision to undergo self-quarantine was made after he, along with several high ranking government officials including President Rodrigo R. Duterte, attended an event in the first week of March wherein a person they were with later tested positive for Covid-19.
The BSP statement said the central bank chief will report for work Thursday in time for the Monetary Board policy meeting.
“The continued health of members of the Monetary Board is paramount to the stability of the financial system amidst this pandemic,” it said.
Diokno also called on the members of the financial system to cooperate with the national government’s effort to contain the spread of Covid-19.
“Rest assured that the BSP continues to foster price stability, financial stability and an efficient payments system to promote the economic well-being of Filipinos,” he added. (PNA)
