By Ignacio R. Bunye The Philippines faces a significant public health challenge with the recent surge in dengue cases which demand urgent attention and action. The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a staggering 40 percent increase in dengue cases compared to the same period last year. With 28,384 cases reported nationwide as of February …
Speaking Out
Is Comelec doing enough to ensure fair, honest, credible midterm elections?
By Ignacio R. Bunye The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has been actively enforcing laws against election offenses, particularly focusing on vote-buying and campaign violations. While these efforts are commendable, one must ask: Is the Comelec doing enough to ensure fair, honest and credible midterm elections? Comelec has formed the Committee on Kontra Bigay to enforce …
A critical juncture in Philippine democracy
By Ignacio R. Bunye The recent impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte marks a pivotal moment in Philippine politics, shaking the very core of our democratic principles. With 215 congressmen endorsing the impeachment complaint and its subsequent transmission to the Senate, we are confronted with a critical test of our commitment to upholding the rule …
Launch of peso-denominated interest rate hedge
By Ignacio R. Bunye Today marks a significant milestone for the Philippine financial market as the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. (PDEx) introduces the country’s first peso-denominated interest rate hedge. This innovative derivative product promises to offer investors a powerful tool to mitigate interest rate risks, marking a crucial step toward a more robust and …
Balancing act in the South China Sea
By Ignacio R. Bunye The recent redeployment of the US military’s Typhon launchers from Laoag airfield to another location in Luzon has sparked significant attention and controversy. These launchers, equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of hitting targets in China and Russia, and SM-6 missiles designed for striking air or sea targets over 200 kilometers …
Celebrating milestones and embracing the future of Philippine banking
By Ignacio R. Bunye The traditional Annual Reception for the Banking Community at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), recently held at the historic Fort Antonio Abad, was a night to remember. Before a crowd of 350, which included the who’s who of the banking industry, BSP Governor Eli Remolona proudly relived the milestone-filled 2024. …
The unyielding fury of nature and our collective responsibility
By Ignacio R. Bunye The first time I heard about the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area was when I tuned in to get an update on the Traslacion. The radio announcer expressed hope that the devotees of Hesus Nazareno would also include in their prayers and petitions the safety of numerous kababayans in the …
Long live the memory of Dr. Jose Rizal!
By Ignacio R. Bunye On this 128th anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom, we pause to remember and honor the sacrifices of a man whose love for his country and his people knew no bounds. Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero, once declared: “Death does not matter if one dies for those one loves — …
Renewed purpose
By Ignacio R. Bunye During the recently held Ayala Integrated Summit, Ayala Pillar Fernando Zobel de Ayala (FZA) took the opportunity to reflect on Ayala’s journey as the Ayala Group approaches the end of its 190th anniversary celebrations. In his keynote address before boards and executives across the Ayala Group, FZA reaffirmed Ayala’s commitment to …
Celebrating Muntinlupa’s 107th Founding Anniversary
By Ignacio Bunye On the occasion of the 107th founding anniversary of Muntinlupa, city leaders Mayor Ruffy Biazon and Congressman Jimmy Fresnedi paid tribute to the everyday heroes and heroines of Muntinlupa who, through their individual or collective actions and achievements, have made the city proud. Additionally, Congressman Fresnedi urged Muntinlupeños to look back and …