Edgardo B. Espiritu, a prominent figure in Philippine finance and a key witness in President Joseph Estrada’s impeachment trial, passed away in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 89.
A lawyer and banker, Espiritu served as Finance Secretary under Estrada in 1998 but resigned a year later due to alleged government corruption. His subsequent testimony, implicating Estrada in questionable stock transactions related to BW Resources, was crucial in the impeachment proceedings. Following this, he relocated to the United States due to threats.
Espiritu’s extensive career included presidencies at Metrobank, Philippine National Bank, and Westmont Bank. He also served as ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Iceland.
A 1958 graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Law, Espiritu was a dedicated alumnus, notably serving as the longest-tenured president of the UP Alumni Association and leading the construction of the Ang Bahay ng Alumni.
His contributions to the public and private sectors were recognized with the UP Alumni Association’s Most Distinguished Alumnus award in 2019 and an honorary Doctor of Laws from UP in 2020, honoring his integrity and achievements in finance and public service. He is remembered as a leader who valued transparency and accountability.
