MANILA – Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor Benjamin Diokno said Tuesday there would be “no sacred cows” under his watch, dismissing worries that his political background would influence him in his new role.
As BSP governor, the former budget secretary will chair the Anti-Money Laundering Council. He also took office as a new law gave the central bank wider enforcement powers.
“That’s speculation. The role of AMLC has not changed,” Diokno told ANC in his first television interview since assuming office. He was asked whether his ties to the President would affect how he would run the watchdog.
“We will do what the law says,” he said. “In my entire life in public service, I’ve been known for transparency and integrity.”
Asked if he would investigate tycoon Dennis Uy over his string of acquisitions, Diokno said: “If it falls under our coverage, yes.”
“There’s no sacred cow. We will look at everybody’s… whether they constitute a systemic risk, that is part of our mandate, we will look into it,” he said.
Diokno also served as budget secretary to former President Joseph Estrada and budget undersecretary to former president Corazon Aquino. (ABS-CBN News)
