(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — Senator Jinggoy Estrada sees no reason why newly appointed Finance Secretary Ralph Recto would not get the nod of the Commission on Appointments (CA).
As part of the CA, Estrada noted the traditional parliamentary courtesy being accorded to former members of Congress when they are subjected to the confirmation process.
“By and large, it ensures the appointee a smooth-sailing confirmation process at the Commission on Appointments,” he said in a statement on Friday.
“However, as a member of a collegial body, I can only speak for myself. I cannot predict the proceedings or prevail upon my fellow CA members in approving the nomination of presidential appointees,” the senator added.
Recto was a senator and a House of Representatives deputy speaker before he was named the new head of the Department of Finance (DOF).
The new Finance chief took his oath of office this Friday.
“Wala akong nakikitang dahilan para hindi aprubahan ang pagkakatalaga kay Cong. Recto as finance secretary,” Estrada went on.
(I see no reason why the appointment of Cong. Recto as Finance secretary should not be approved.)
“As a former Neda [National Economic and Development Authority] chief and Senate ways and means committee chairperson, he is qualified for the post and knows the ropes of the job,” he further said.
Recto headed the Neda during the time of then-President and now Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva joined his colleagues in commending the appointment of Recto as DOF chief.
“Secretary Ralph will be a valuable addition to the Marcos Administration as he brings in his vast experience in the legislative and executive branches, as well as his knowledge and expertise on economic and fiscal policies,” Villanueva said in a separate statement.
“He was our tax whiz back when he was still in the Senate which is why his appointment is definitely good news for the country,” he said.