Bangko Sentral chief recovering from tongue cancer

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Nestor Espenilla, Jr. on Sunday revealed he is now recovering from early-stage tongue cancer.

In a text message to reporters on Sunday, Espenilla said he was diagnosed in November 2017 and has since undergone treatment.

"Unfortunately, I got a curveball in November last year when I was diagnosed with tongue cancer. Fortunately, it was very early stage and quite localized," he said.

"I underwent surgery soon after to remove the problem. That was successful. My doctors say I'm now cancer-free. So I don't expect this curveball to slow me down," he added.

Espenilla said he also completed radiation therapy, which has caused speaking difficulties due to his dry throat and mouth sores.

"That should go away in time and my doctors expect me to achieve more or less full recovery in a month or so. Now, that's my personal normalization," he said.

"I just have to hang on and be patient. Meanwhile, it's work as usual for me. Onward with the financial market reforms," he added.

Espenilla took over as the BSP Governor on July 2, succeeding Amando Tetangco, Jr. who served three terms as the central bank chief.

With this, Espenilla said he will be attending the next meeting of the central bank's Monetary Board to decide whether or not to keep key rates unchanged.

"I hope this answers the questions of those who may be wondering about my health. I am confident that this personal medical issue will not distract from the important work at hand," he said. — BM, GMA News