The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has formally welcomed Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go as the newest member of the Monetary Board (MB), thus strengthening the coordination between the country’s fiscal and monetary authorities at a time of heightened economic uncertainty.
BSP Governor and Monetary Board Chairman Eli M. Remolona Jr. administered Go’s oath of office during a ceremony held at the BSP Head Office in Manila on January 8, 2026.
Go brings fiscal lens to BSP policy board
Go was designated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as the Cabinet representative to the central bank’s policy-making body, succeeding former Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary and now Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto.
The Monetary Board is the highest policy-setting body of the BSP and plays a critical role in shaping the country’s monetary policy, financial system stability, and regulatory direction.
As a member, Go is expected to bring a fiscal perspective to deliberations on inflation management, interest rates, banking supervision, and financial sector reforms.
Go joins a Monetary Board composed of seasoned policymakers and private-sector representatives, including former BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno, Romeo L. Bernardo, Rosalia V. De Leon, Jose L. Querubin, and Walter C. Wassmer. The mix of public and private sector experience within the board is designed to ensure balanced and informed policy decisions.
Before assuming leadership of the DOF, Go served as Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA), a role that placed him at the center of the government’s economic strategy. As SAPIEA, he coordinated the implementation of key investment and economic policies, chaired the Economic Development Group, and worked closely with major economic agencies.
These included the DOF, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of Trade and Industry, as well as investment and regulatory bodies such as the Board of Investments, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. His work focused on improving the country’s investment climate, streamlining regulations, and aligning fiscal incentives with national development goals.
Private sector experience to bolster BSP’s policy coherence
BSP Governor and Monetary Board Chair Remolona Jr. shakes hands with Finance Secretary Frederick Go after administering his oath of office
Go’s appointment to the Monetary Board is widely seen as a move to reinforce policy coherence, particularly as the Philippines navigates global headwinds, including persistent inflation risks, shifting interest rate environments, and volatile capital flows. Closer coordination between the DOF and the BSP is considered crucial in maintaining macroeconomic stability while supporting growth.
Prior to joining government, Go built a long career in the private sector, most notably as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Robinsons Land Corporation.
Under his leadership, the listed property firm expanded across commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments, strengthening its position as one of the country’s leading real estate players.
Beyond property development, Go has held leadership roles across a wide range of industries, including media, retail, food, banking, finance, aviation, petrochemicals, and power.
This breadth of experience has shaped his reputation as a corporate leader with a strong grasp of capital markets, consumer trends, and large-scale operations.
Observers note that this private-sector background could be particularly valuable as the BSP continues to promote financial sector resilience, digitalization, and inclusive growth.
The central bank has been pushing reforms related to digital banking, payment systems, and financial inclusion — areas where coordination with fiscal policy and investment promotion can accelerate impact.
Go holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management Engineering from the Ateneo de Manila University, a discipline that blends technical, economic, and managerial training. This background, combined with his experience in both government and business, positions him to contribute to the Monetary Board’s policy discussions.
As Finance Secretary and now a member of the BSP’s policy-making body, Go is expected to play a key role in aligning fiscal measures with monetary objectives, ensuring that policy signals remain clear and consistent for markets, investors, and the broader economy.
