Ignacio R. Bunye

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 began his government service in the City of Muntinlupa (then a municipality) as Officer-in-Charge and Mayor between 1986 and 1998. 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.

In earlier years, he worked at the Filipinas Foundation Inc. as Assistant Corporate Secretary from 1970 to 1975, Assistant Vice President of BPI Investment Corporation from 1976 to 1983 and Assistant Vice President for Corporate Banking and Treasury at the Bank of the Philippine Islands from 1983 to 1985. He also held various executive positions at the Ayala Group of Companies, including Assistant Vice President of the Ayala Investment and Development Corporation. 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).

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).

During his 12-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 (hospital).

Mr. Bunye is a member of the Philippine Integrated Bar. 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.