FORMER Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno had formally turned over the DOF post to Secretary Ralph Recto.

This was done during a simple ceremony at the DOF office in Manila.

“Ralph is a seasoned policymaker and an undeniable patriot. He has sponsored several key economic and tax reforms that have transformed our economy for the better and reignited the country’s growth potential,” Diokno said in a statement.

“Ralph is no stranger to the kind of hard work, tough decision-making, and consensus-building required of this post,” he added.

Recto, for his part, praised the former DOF chief as he expressed confidence in Diokno that he can contribute as a monetary board member of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

“I find reassurance in knowing that I am not alone in this journey. I am surrounded by a team of highly talented and competent individuals within the DOF, its attached agencies, and bureaus, all equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the challenges we face today and those that await us in the future," he said.

"I also look forward to tapping the wisdom of my illustrious predecessors,” he added.