Press Release - Manifestation - Ad Interim Appointment of Ralph Gonzalez Recto (Lipa, Batangas) to the position of Secretary, Department of Finance

Thank you very much Mr. President, Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues.

It is my great honor and privilege to support and co-sponsor the appointment of my senior brod, my boss, my idol, former Senator Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, to the position of Secretary of the Department of Finance.

Mr. President, Senator Recto has been in public service for 32 years. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1992 at 28 years old. And that is why it has always been a great pleasure Mr. President to be affiliated with him because I remember the first time I met him, he made mention that he was the "Benjamin" of the House. And a few Congresses later, that was the 9th Congress, in the 12th Congress this representation became the "Benjamin" of the House.

Mr. President he is also a senior brother, fraternity brother of this representation together with Congressman Abet Garcia. Nowadays Mr. President brotherhood is somehow, some people are saying, is no longer significant Mr. President. But for Brod Ralph Recto Mr. President, he is not just a friend. He is a real brother not only to every Triskelions in the four corners of this world, not just of this country but of this world but to every Juan and Juana dela Cruz.

Mr. President, Secretary Recto has served in various positions in the government, as Congressman, as a Senator, as a Secretary of the NEDA and now as Secretary of the Department of Finance.

Secretary Recto was our resident "numbers guy", I think everyone knows that Mr. President in this august chamber. We describe him Mr. President as the "visionary economist." And tama po yung sinabi ni Senator Grace, kung ikaw ay naging Senador at dumaan ka sa scrutiny ni Senator Ralph Recto, okay ka na. Ibig sabihin pwede mo ng lampasan ang mga iba pang pagdadaanan mo if you defend a particular measure.

Mr. President, no appropriations, alam po nating lahat, no appropriations or tax measure passed without the scrutiny of this nominee Mr. President,specially here in the Senate.

May kasabihan nga po, may House of Representatives tapos may Senado - House of the Senate at meron pong pangatlong House, House of Recto

Mr. President, we have nothing but great things