Speaking Out

By Ignacio R. Bunye The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) sent a clear message on June 19: It is willing to get ahead of the curve. With its second 25-basis-point policy rate cut this year — bringing the benchmark down to 5.25 percent — the BSP continues to adopt a more dovish stance than many …

By Ignacio R. Bunye Finance isn’t just about profit anymore — it’s about purpose. With the launch of BPI SINAG Bonds, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is making waves in the Philippine financial scene, proving that investing can be both profitable and impactful. What’s the deal? The P40-billion SINAG Bonds — BPI’s largest-ever peso …

By Ignacio R. Bunye By making sustainability a core pillar of its business strategy, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) continues to redefine banking in the Philippines. As a financial institution committed to long-term economic growth, BPI has embraced environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles through its groundbreaking ESG+E2 framework. This unique approach integrates financial performance …

By Ignacio R. Bunye The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has reported a surge in scams flooding Instagram and Facebook. According to WSJ, an internal analysis by Meta revealed that 70 percent of newly active advertisers on its platforms were promoting scams or low-quality products. The culprits? Fraud rings operating from China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and …

By Ignacio R. Bunye Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has emerged as one of the most digitally engaged pontiffs in history. Before his election, he was an outspoken presence on social media, weighing in on political and social issues that often sparked debate. Among his key posts: * Criticism of US Politics …

By Ignacio R. Bunye The issue of cellphone snatching has become a pressing global concern. This realization hit home during a recent BPI Direct BanKo board meeting when Director John-C Syquia joined us from London via Zoom. Our pre-board small talk touched on the latest happenings in the British capital, including the alarming surge in cellphone …

By Ignacio R. Bunye The Tour of Luzon has made a triumphant return, rekindling the excitement of one of the Philippines’ most iconic cycling races. This year’s edition, dubbed “The Great Revival,” has captured the imagination of cycling enthusiasts across the country, bringing back the drama, endurance and sheer determination that defined its golden years. …

By Ignacio Bunye The Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) continues to set new benchmarks for success, recently presenting its stockholders with an impressive account of its strong performance throughout 2024 and a promising start to 2025. In the first quarter of 2025, BPI reported an outstanding net income of P16.6 billion — a nine …

0 By Ignacio R. Bunye During the annual Araw ng Kagitingan, we pause to honor the remarkable heroism of Filipino and American soldiers who bravely fought and sacrificed during the Battle of Bataan. We also pay tribute to the survivors who endured the harrowing Death March and the hardships of wartime captivity. Their courage continues …

  By Ignacio R. Bunye  Holy Week holds immense significance in our predominantly Catholic country, where the week serves as a time for reflection, repentance and renewal. Traditionally, Filipinos observe Holy Week with devout religious practices steeped in centuries-old customs. Palm Sunday begins with the blessing of palm fronds, followed by processions and re-enactments of …