President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. this Friday swore in House Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto as the new secretary of the Department of Finance, replacing Benjamin Diokno.
Recto’s swearing-in was held in Malacañang, witnessed by his wife, Vilma Santos-Recto.
Aside from Recto, Frederick Go was also sworn in by Marcos as the secretary of the new Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA).
Former Senate President Manny Villar, on the other hand, congratulated Recto on his new position that he has been with Congress since 1992, and was a member of the so-called “Wednesday Group.”
“I have had a front row view of his financial acumen, his steadiness in the face of challenges, and his desire to bring about prosperity to Filipinos. Definitely the best man for the job,” said Villar in the statement.
Also supported by Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman appointed Recto as the new Finance chief, whom he called a good economist and a good worker.
Pres. Marcos appoints Ralph Recto as new Finance chief
“Sen. Recto’s track record as a legislator is remarkable, having chaired several key committees in the Senate, including on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises and on Science and Technology, among others. His comprehensive understanding of the intricate details of economic and financial matters is undoubtedly an asset as we navigate the complex challenges facing our nation,” Hataman said in the statement.
Senate President Miguel Zubiri, who he described as the “resident numbers genius” of the Senate, earlier gave support to Recto.
“This was not just for his mathematical ability, but more importantly for his ability to immediately see the big picture implications of these numbers,” said Zubiri.
“More than most, he understands how to bridge the gap between the abstractions of mathematics and the very concrete realities that we face as a nation. So I have no doubt that he will be a good Finance Secretary, who will continue to push the country along on the road to greater economic prosperity,” he added.
Senators Francis Escudero, Sherwin Gatchalian, and Sonny Angara also supported Marcos’ choice of Recto.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.