Senate President Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri and House Speaker Martin Romualdez welcomed the appointment of House Deputy Speaker and Batangas 6th district Rep. Ralph Recto as the new Finance Secretary.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Zubiri said he "wholeheartedly welcome" Recto's designation, who he regarded as a "resident numbers genius".
"This was not just for his mathematical ability, but more importantly for his ability to immediately see the big picture implications of these numbers," he added.
The Senate President said he had no doubt that Recto would be "a good Finance Secretary, who will continue to push the country along on the road to greater economic prosperity."
Meanwhile, Romualdez believes that the House Deputy Speaker is qualified for the position, given his "extensive knowledge and profound grasp of economics", and "outstanding leadership" in relation to the country's fiscal policies.
He said Recto would "significantly contribute" to the economic goals of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.'s administration.
"I am optimistic that his vision and experience will significantly contribute to realizing our shared goals for a more economically vibrant and inclusive Philippines under the Marcos administration," the House Speaker furthered.
Recto malaki ang maitutulong sa PBBM admin sa pagpapa-unlad ng bansa at sa repormang pang-ekonomiya ng gobyerno -Romualdez | RH 12 @milkyrigonan #DamdamingBayan#SamaSamaTayoPilipino
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) January 12, 2024
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On Thursday, January 11, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil confirmed that Recto would take his oath as Secretary of Finance before the President at the Malacañang Palace.
He will be replacing Benjamin Diokno, who will reportedly return as monetary board member in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
