BIZ BUZZ: Diokno offers shot of GSM

The Monetary Board (MB) is in its “quiet period” where members are not allowed to speak up before their Dec. 11 meeting, after which the highest policymaking body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is widely expected to announce another cut in the policy rate.

Nevertheless, MB Member Benjamin Diokno took time to share his thoughts on the holiday season with the BSP faithful who fondly refer to him as “GSM” Diokno, for Governor, Secretary and now a full-time member of the board to which he was appointed to a six-year term effective Jan. 12, 2024.

He used the same three letters to encapsulate his Christmas message.

Diokno told the BSP family to G—give or share their blessings with others who are less fortunate; S—save for a rainy day, inspired by former Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez’ advice to “always keep powder dry” because one never knows when the next crisis will erupt; and finally M, make time for friends and family, especially in this season of joy.

The Philippines may be navigating through choppy waters these days, but for Diokno, there are always reasons to think positive and look forward to better days ahead.

As the saying goes, it may be stormy now, but it can’t rain forever.