Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. has once again earned global recognition, securing an “A-” rating in Global Finance magazine’s prestigious Central Banker Report Cards 2025.
The accolade marks the second consecutive year that Remolona has been hailed as one of the world’s best central bank leaders, underscoring his effective stewardship of the Philippine monetary system amid challenging economic conditions.
The Central Banker Report Cards, now in its 31st year, evaluates central bank governors from nearly 100 countries and jurisdictions. Leaders are graded from “A+” to “F” based on performance in inflation control, economic growth, currency stability, interest rate management, and independence from political influence.
In its announcement, Global Finance emphasized that the award highlights leaders who “deliver results with independence, discipline, and strategic foresight.” Governor Remolona joins the ranks of central bank heads from Cambodia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, and the European Union, among others, who also earned top marks this year.
“This recognition is really a credit to the entire BSP team and their commitment to our mandates,” Remolona said, thanking Global Finance for the honor. “We remain focused on keeping prices stable, maintaining a sound financial system, and ensuring that payments run smoothly.”
A repeat recognition for the BSP Governor
The recognition builds on Remolona’s success in 2024, when he also received an “A-” rating from the same publication. That award was formally presented in Washington, DC last October, where Global Finance founder Joseph Giarraputo praised central bankers who demonstrated “effective strategies to uphold financial stability and foster economic resilience” despite global headwinds.
At the awarding ceremony, Remolona acknowledged the tough realities of central banking and emphasized the role of public trust in shaping policy. “Central banking is a tough job,” he remarked, “but we have many sources of inspiration, foremost of which are my fellow Filipinos, who deserve all we can do to provide the foundation for their economic well-being.”
Steering through economic headwinds
The back-to-back accolades come at a time when the Philippines has faced significant economic challenges, from inflationary pressures linked to global oil price hikes and supply chain disruptions, to currency volatility influenced by shifting global interest rates.
Under Remolona’s leadership, the BSP has acted decisively to balance inflation control with sustained economic growth. His policies on interest rate management have been credited with moderating price pressures while stabilizing the peso, ensuring that Filipino households retain purchasing power.
Observers note that the central bank’s forward-looking stance — anchored on resilience and sustainability — has provided a stable foundation for investments and long-term growth. The BSP’s strategies reflect a deliberate balancing act: adjusting monetary policy to tame inflation without stifling economic activity.
Commitment beyond policy
More than numbers and ratings, Remolona has consistently highlighted the human dimension of central banking. In public statements, he has stressed that the BSP’s mission extends beyond financial stability to improving the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
“Central banking is not just about policy tools — it’s about service to the nation,” the BSP governor said in an earlier interview. “Every decision we make must ultimately translate into protecting the economic well-being of our people.”
This philosophy has resonated in BSP’s recent initiatives, including efforts to modernize payment systems, broaden financial inclusion, and strengthen the country’s defenses against external shocks.
A testament to leadership
Global Finance’s recognition of Governor Remolona for two consecutive years underscores the BSP’s growing stature on the world stage. It also reflects the critical role that effective monetary policy plays in steering the Philippines through volatile global conditions.
As the country looks ahead, the challenge will be to sustain growth while protecting households from external risks and domestic vulnerabilities. For now, however, the international spotlight affirms that under Remolona’s leadership, the Philippines’ central bank remains firmly committed to stability, discipline, and service.
The full Central Banker Report Cards 2025 will be published in Global Finance’s October print and digital editions, as well as on GFMag.com.
