Former Finance Secretary Edgardo Espiritu dies at 89

Edgardo Bautista Espiritu, a Upsilon Sigma Phi member, banker, public servant, and diplomat, passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 89.

His life and legacy epitomized the fraternity's core values of integrity, leadership, and devotion to the greater good.

Espiritu served as Secretary of Finance in 1998 under President Joseph Estrada, guiding the nation through the challenges of the Asian Financial Crisis.

He resigned from his post in 1999 in protest against corruption within the administration.

Espiritu later testified against President Estrada during the impeachment trial, becoming a key whistleblower.

Espiritu believed that true leadership is defined by moral responsibility rather than power.