Press Release - Bong Go congratulates new Finance Secretary Ralph Recto; calls for inclusive economic recovery

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, in an ambush interview on Friday, January 12, after attending the groundbreaking for a Super Health Center in Navotas City, congratulated then House Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto, the newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Finance (DOF) who was also Go's colleague in the Senate during the 18th Congress.

Go welcomed Sec. Recto's appointment while emphasizing the importance of inclusive economic recovery and ensuring that the poor is not left behind.

"Importante na walang maiwan sa ating march towards economic recovery," Go stated, highlighting the need for policies that benefit all Filipinos, especially the impoverished.

When asked about Recto's appointment, Go acknowledged his colleague's extensive experience in economics and legislation, expressing optimism for continued economic progress post-pandemic.

"Bilang isa sa aking colleague noong 18th Congress, good luck and congratulations po kay Secretary Ralph Recto ng Department of Finance at sana po ay ipagpatuloy mo ang mga naumpisahan ni (former) secretary (Benjamin) Diokno, lalung lalo na itong ekonomiya natin," Go said.

Go then made a significant appeal to Recto, emphasizing the need for inclusive economic recovery. He stated, "I am appealing to Secretary Ralph Recto na walang maiwang Pilipino, lalo na ang mga mahihirap sa ating martsa sa ating economic recovery. Tulungan natin ang mga mahihirap."

"Naniniwala naman ako na isa siyang experienced na economist, naging mambabatas," Go added, acknowledging Recto's extensive experience in economics and legislation.

Further emphasizing the importance of collaboration between different branches of the government, Go remarked, "At maganda ang magiging relasyon niya sa legislative branch dahil alam mo sa ekonomiya kailangan talaga ng tandem 'yan. Executive-Legislative. Marami pong mga batas na dapat ipasa pagdating sa economic measures na kailangan natin dito."

Recognizing the challenges in implementing economic measures without appropriate legislation, he noted, "Mahirap i-implement lang ng basta-basta nang walang batas."

The senator expressed hope for a sustained economic recovery, "So with his experience and expertise bilang