Major shake-ups in the Philippine government! President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently swore in new key officials, signaling a pivotal shift in leadership. On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in a ceremony at Malacañang Palace, Ralph Recto took the oath as the new Acting Executive Secretary, and Frederick Go stepped in as the Acting Finance Secretary. But why the sudden change?
This follows the resignations of former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman earlier in the week. The resignations, described as being “out of delicadeza,” came in the wake of ongoing investigations into alleged irregularities concerning flood control projects. This is a critical point – the resignations were voluntary, aimed at allowing the administration to fully address the investigation's issues and maintain the integrity of the offices involved.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro explained that the departures were intended to give the government “full latitude” in handling the investigations.
Now, let's look at the new players. Recto, previously the Finance Secretary, is now at the helm of the Executive Secretary's office. His role involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of the President's office, improving inter-agency coordination, and driving the administration’s impactful programs. Recto's extensive experience, spanning decades in national planning, fiscal policy, and legislative reforms, is expected to bring stability and expertise to the role.
On the other hand, Frederick Go takes over the Department of Finance. He previously served as the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs. Malacañang credits him with boosting investment pipelines, aligning major economic initiatives across different government agencies, and fostering investor confidence, especially during these uncertain global economic times.
Castro highlighted that these leadership changes reflect President Marcos Jr.’s dedication to strengthening institutions and ensuring clean governance, especially as the inquiries into budget irregularities continue. Could these changes be a sign of a more proactive approach to governance?
What do you think about these changes? Do you believe they will lead to more effective governance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
