Former Finance Secretary and now Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Monetary Board Member (MBM) Benjamin E. Diokno officially turned over the Department of Finance (DOF) leadership to newly appointed Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto in a ceremony on January 15, 2024 at the DOF Office in Manila.
“Ralph is a seasoned policymaker and an undeniable patriot. He has sponsored several key economic and tax reforms that have transformed our economy for the better and reignited the country’s growth potential,” MBM Diokno said.
“Ralph is no stranger to the kind of hard work, tough decision-making, and consensus-building required of this post,” he added.
In response, Secretary Recto praised the ex-Finance Chief for his commendable service, saying he is confident that Diokno would continue contributing positively to the welfare of the nation in his new role.
He emphasized that taking on the responsibility of following Diokno’s footsteps is both an honor and a challenge but he draws reassurance from the knowledge that he has a skilled team within the DOF, its attached agencies, and bureaus.
Additionally, he looks forward to leveraging the wisdom of his predecessors.
“I find reassurance in knowing that I am not alone in this journey. I am surrounded by a team of highly talented and competent individuals within the DOF, its attached agencies, and bureaus, all equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the challenges we face today and those that await us in the future. I also look forward to tapping the wisdom of my illustrious predecessors,” he said during the turnover ceremony.
Secretary Recto likewise expressed confidence in surmounting any challenges in pursuit of actualizing the President’s vision articulated in the national development plan through increased effort, sincere dedication, rethinking the way of doing things, and innovating governance.
“I count on everyone’s support and cooperation as we collectively deliver an economy that works for the betterment of every Filipino and the future generations to come,” he said.
Present during the turnover ceremony were DOF Undersecretaries Catherine Fong, Bayani Agabin, Maria Edita Tan, Zeno Abenoja, Maria Luwalhati Dorotan Tiuseco; and DOF Assistant Secretaries Nino Alvina, Dakila Napao, Glenda Rumohr-Figueroa, Juvy Danofrata, Karlo Adriano, Jun Bernabe Jr., Joyce Briones, and Jenaira Jalasco.
The heads of the DOF Bureaus were also present, including Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui, Jr.; Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio; Officer-in-Charge National Treasurer Sharon Almanza; and Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) Executive Director Consolacion Agcaoili.
Heads of the DOF attached agencies, namely Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Emilio Aquino; Insurance Commission (IC) Commissioner Reynaldo Regalado; Privatization Management Office (PMO) Chief Privatization Officer Maan Vanessa Doctor; National Tax Research Center (NTRC) Executive Director Marlene Lucero-Calubag; and Central Board of Assessment Appeals (CBAA) Chairperson Robert Tobia also attended in support of Secretary Recto.
Also present during the ceremony were Mr. Rolando Tungpalan, Mr. Joven Balbosa, Atty. Charlie Mendoza, and Atty. Alan Quebral.
After the turnover ceremony, the new Secretary began the series of briefings, led by the heads of DOF offices.
The new Finance Chief is scheduled to have briefings with heads of the DOF attached agencies and bureaus throughout the week.
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