We are happy therefore that we have with us tonight former deputy governors and members of the Monetary Board; two former governors under the Central Bank of the Philippines – Governor Jaime Laya and Governor Jose Cuisia, Jr.; and one former governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – Governor Gabriel Singson.
*  *  *  Mr. Chairman, distinguished Governors, Mr. Rodrigo de Rato, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Mr. Robert Zoellick, President of the World Bank Group, delegation members, colleagues and former colleagues, ladies and gentleman: These meetings take place not only at a challenging time in the international economy, but also at a time of unexpected changes in the leadership of both the Bank and the Fund.