Go named as Finance chief, Recto as executive secretary

PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday appointed Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto as the new executive secretary and economic czar Frederick D. Go to take over the Finance department, marking the biggest Cabinet shake-up since the eruption of the multibillion-peso flood control scandal.

- By Chloe Mari A. Hufana and Aubrey Rose A. Inosante Reporters

"These leadership changes reinforce the President's commitment to strengthening institutions, improving coordination across government, and keeping the administration focused on delivering stability, opportunity, and security to Filipino families," Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told a news briefing.

The appointments were announced after Mr. Marcos accepted the resignation of Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman.

"Both officials respectfully offered and tendered their resignations out of delicadeza, after their departments were mentioned in allegations related to the flood control anomaly currently under investigation and in recognition of the responsibility to allow the administration to address the matter appropriately," Ms. Castro said.

She said Mr. Recto's extensive background in economic legislation and national planning "positions him well" to oversee day-to-day government operations and coordinate high-impact programs as executive secretary.

Sought for comment at the Senate, Mr. Recto told reporters he had not talked to the President.

"I'm surprised but work has to continue. Essentially, I think the role of the [executive secretary] is governance...You cannot do miracles. Our job is to improve governance," Mr. Recto said.