Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Friday had nothing but praises for the incoming economic team formed by president-elect Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
In an interview with DZRH, Lopez said that the Philippines would be in "good hands" with Marcos' picks for his economic team.
This includes Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor Benjamin Diokno as the next Secretary of Finance and former University of the Philippines president Alfred Pascual as the next Secretary of Trade and Industry.
He also previously named former Philippine Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan to lead the National Economic and Development Authority, a post he previously held under the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III.
"Napakagaling. Excellent choice ang mga ginawa ng ating president-elect Bongbong kasi magagaling at may karanasan, well-experienced. We are in good hands ika nga," said Lopez during the interview.
(Very good. President-elect Bongbong made an excellent choice because he picked good people who are well-experienced. We are in good hands, as they say.)
According to the secretary, these people have the pure intention to serve the country.
"Magaling ito. Alam natin na sila 'yung talagang makikita mong magiging purong serbisyo lang para sa bayan," he added.
(They are good. We know that these people only intend to purely serve the country.)
Lopez also had praises specifically for Pascual, who is set to replace him in the next administration.
"Natutuwa kami na pati 'yung na-appointment sa DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), si incoming [Trade Secretary Pascual], ay talagang napakagaling, competent, man of integrity."
(We are happy that even the appointment for DTI, incoming [Trade Secretary Pascual], is very good, competent, and a man of integrity.)
He said that their appointment would ensure that President Rodrigo Duterte's economic reforms for the country would be continued.
"Kaya masasabi kong swerte rin na magakakasama sila sa economic team. Maisusulong 'yung mga kailangang tuloy-tuloy na reporma na naumpisahan sa time ni Pangulong Duterte. Alam nating maitutuloy ito."
(This is why I can say that we are lucky that they are joining the economic team. They will advocate for the continuous reforms started during the team of President Duterte. We know it will be continued.)
Marcos Jr., commenting on his picks for his economic team, previously said he believes they found the "best people" who are "able to look forward and anticipate what the conditions will be for the Philippines and the rest of the world in the coming years."
