Philippine National Bank (PNB), the lending arm of the Lucio Tan Group, is undergoing a reorganisation to streamline operations.
This follows the appointment of new president, Edwin Bautista, who took charge in April 2025.
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The bank has disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange its plans to close the PNB Bahrain representative office and restructure internal sectors.
The bank’s Board of Directors has already approved the closure of its Bahrain office, pending regulatory approval from Bahraini authorities.
In an exchange filing, the bank said: “On the closure of PNB Bahrain Representative Office, board approval is required before Notice of Closure is sent to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and before Letter of Intent is submitted to the Central Bank of Bahrain and Bahrain Ministry of Commerce.”
Additionally, PNB is dissolving its consumer finance and enterprise services sectors.
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By GlobalDataIt is also renaming the Financial Management, Strategy & Sustainability Sector as the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.
The bank also announced the mandatory retirement of two of its executives.
Executive vice president Jose German M. Licup is set to retire on 11 October 2025, and senior vice president Ma. Lourdes S. Liwag will retire on 9 October 2025.
Edwin R. Bautista brings experience from UnionBank, where he contributed to the bank’s digital transformation and the expansion of its retail banking services, as reported by the print media outlet Manila Bulletin.
His 27-year tenure at UnionBank culminated in the acquisition and integration of Citibank Philippines’ retail business and the preparation of his successor.
The news publication quoted the bank as saying: “His appointment signals PNB’s commitment to innovation, customer-centric banking, and long-term sustainable growth. PNB remains dedicated to modernising its operations, enhancing financial services, and strengthening its position as one of the country’s premier banking institutions.”
According to PNB’s website, the bank has over 70 overseas branches, representative offices, and remittance centres.
It maintains a correspondent relationship with more than 300 banks and financial institutions, and over 90 overseas agents and tie-up partners worldwide.
