Former Senate President Franklin Drilon has expressed his support for President Bongbong Marcos’ appointment of former Finance Secretary Ralph Recto as the new Executive Secretary.
In a statement, Drilon highlighted Recto’s capability and long-standing dedication to public service, noting the years they served together in the Senate.
“I have had the privilege of serving alongside Executive Secretary Ralph Recto for 12 remarkable years in the Senate, and in that time, I witnessed not only his brilliance as a legislator but also his unwavering commitment to the Filipino people.”
Drilon added that Recto’s experience will be valuable to the administration, especially as the country faces pressing challenges.
Recto replaces former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who resigned from his post following controversies involving his grandnephew, former PLLO Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin, as well as former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman over questionable budget insertions in the proposed 2025 national budget.
Recto and Drilon served together in the Senate from 2001 to 2007, and again from 2010 to 2022.
Drilon himself previously served as Executive Secretary from 1991 to 1992 under former President Cory Aquino, before being appointed Justice Secretary during the early years of President Fidel Ramos’ administration.