BSP Dep. Gov. Dakila appointed as OIC as Diokno recovers from medical procedure

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. has been designated as the officer-in-charge of the central bank, while Governor Benjamin Diokno recovers from a medical procedure to address a blood clot caused by a minor head accident.

In a statement on Monday, the BSP said Diokno underwent the medical procedure on Sunday, January 17, 2021, and is expected to be discharged from the hospital in the next four to five days, and anticipated to return to work subsequently.

"The procedure went well and I'm now on my way to recovery. Meanwhile, I'm designating Francis Dakila as OIC BSP Governor while I'm recuperating," Diokno was quoted as saying in a message to the Monetary Board and BSP staff.

Citing his medical report, the BSP said the prognosis for Diokno's complete recovery is "very good" as he was awake and conversant an hour after the procedure. No further details were immediately available.

"The BSP remains focused in promoting price stability, financial system stability, and an efficient payment system," it said.

Diokno was appointed as BSP Governor in March 2019, to serve the unexpired term of late BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. who was supposed to end his tenure in July 2023, but passed away in February 2019 after his battle with cancer.—AOL, GMA News