Ignacio R. Bunye

Filipino, 79 years old, was elected as an independent director of BPI in April 2016. He was the chairman of the Bank’s Related Party Transaction Committee until April 2024. He was appointed as lead independent director from April 2021 until April 2023. Mr. Bunye also serves as an independent director of BPI Asset Management and Trust Corporation (doing business under the trade name and style of BPI Wealth - A Trust Corporation), BPI Direct BanKo, Inc., A Savings Bank and BPI Capital Corporation.

Mr. Bunye was a member of the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas from 2008 to 2014. He previously held the positions of Presidential Political Adviser in 2008, Presidential Spokesperson in 2003, and Press Secretary in 2002. He also worked in BPI’s Treasury and Corporate Finance departments from 1983 to 1986 before he began his government service in the City of Muntinlupa (then a municipality) as officer-in-charge and later as Mayor between 1986 and 1998.

During his twelve-year stewardship in Muntinlupa, Mr. Bunye founded the Muntinlupa Polytechnic College (now Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa) and laid the foundation for the establishment of the Ospital ng Muntinlupa. In a concurrent capacity, he also served as Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Authority (now Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) between 1991 and 1992, and was a member of the House of Representatives representing Muntinlupa between 1998 and 2001. A former print and broadcast journalist, he now writes a regular weekly column for Manila Bulletin, Tempo, People’s Tonight, Sun Star, BusinessWeek Mindanao, Panay News and Filipino Reporter (in New York).

Significant awards and recognition received by Mr. Bunye include the Asian Institute of Management Honor and Prestige Award, the Bangko Sentral Service Excellence Medal, the Gran Oden de Isabela Catolica, and the Order of Lakandula (rank of Bayani).

Mr. Bunye is a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree and Bachelor of Laws degree from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1964 and 1969, respectively. He passed the Philippine Bar Examination in 1969. He also attained his degree in Masters in Management from the Asian Institute of Management in 1976.