Romeo Bernardo, the newly appointed member of the Monetary Board (MB), was officially sworn into office by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr.
The 66-year old Bernardo will serve a six-year term that commenced on September 14. He now joins the distinguished ranks of the MB, serving alongside Remolona, Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, V. Bruce J. Tolentino, and Anita R. Aquino.
The incoming member, National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon, is also expected to take her oath shortly.
Bernardo brings a wealth of experience to his role, having previously served as the Department of Finance (DOF) undersecretary during the administrations of Presidents Cory C. Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos in the 1990s.
The Monetary Board, serving as highest policymaking body of the BSP, , is led by Remolona, who concurrently holds the position of chairman.
Throughout his career, Bernardo has demonstrated versatility, having worked in various capacities, including roles at prominent multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and Asian Development Bank.
Additionally, he boasts a considerable track record in the private sector, having held directorship positions in Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe Telecom, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Monde Nissin, RFM Corporation, and Philippine Investment Management.
His contributions extend beyond the corporate arena, as he has also served as the chairman of the ALFM Family of Mutual Funds, acted as the Philippine advisor to GlobalSource Partners, co-founded and held the position of vice chair at the Foundation for Economic Freedom, and co-founded and served as president of the financial advisory firm Lazaro Bernardo Tiu & Associates.
Bernardo’s academic credentials are equally impressive, with a Master of Arts in Development Economics earned from Williams College, Massachusetts, and a magna cum laude Bachelor of Science in Business Economics from the University of the Philippines.
