The Department of Finance (DOF) begins the week with a leadership change as Malacañang on Monday announced the appointment of Frederick L. Go as the agency’s new secretary. Go steps in following the resignation of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, who has been swiftly promoted to Executive Secretary.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday accepted the voluntary resignations of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman after their implication in a flood control anomaly, signaling a swift shake-up in Malacañang. Press Officer Claire Castro announced that Finance Secretary Ralph Recto will step in as Executive Secretary, while Budget Undersecretary Rolando Toledo has been named Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Budget and Management. To fill the vacuum at Finance, Presidential Adviser on Economic Affairs Frederick Go will take over Recto’s former post, marking a rapid realignment of the administration’s top economic managers.
The government on Monday says the economy remains solid, with stable foundations and strong investment prospects. Finance Secretary Ralph Rector frames the current controversies as part of an internal reform effort led by the President, who has vowed to expose—not shield—corruption.