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 …
Speaking Out
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 …
Upholding constitutional integrity in budget appropriations
By Ignacio R. Bunye Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III is set to challenge before the Supreme Court the constitutionality of the Bicameral Conference Committee’s decision to increase unprogrammed funds in the 2025 national budget to P531.6 billion. Pimentel argues that the Constitution prohibits Congress from augmenting appropriations beyond what the executive recommends. Pimentel’s interpretation …
Tensions in Bajo de Masinloc demand firm resolution
By Ignacio R. Bunye Tensions have resurfaced in Bajo de Masinloc (also known as Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) following alarming incidents involving Chinese vessels. On December 4, Philippine vessels patrolling the West Philippine Sea (WPS) were targeted by Chinese ships using water cannons and intentional ramming maneuvers. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of …
Celebrating Filipino leadership on the global stage
By Ignacio R. Bunye The recognition of Ayala Corporation chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (JAZA) as one of the 50 most inspiring and exceptional leaders in the world is a testament to the outstanding leadership and vision that has propelled the Ayala Group to the forefront of global business. JAZA’s inclusion in the inaugural …