Recto denies he is poised to become Executive Secretary

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto on Monday refuted claims that he would be the next Executive Secretary, replacing Atty. Lucas Bersamin.

In an ambush interview on the sidelines of the Senate plenary debates on the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Finance (DOF) and other agencies, Recto said no offer had been made for him to assume the executive secretary post.

“There is no offer. There’s nothing to accept,” he told members of the media when asked if he would take the position should an offer arise.

“I remain as DOF… I’m here as Secretary of DOF,” he added.

Recto also said he was not aware of any discussions about a potential revamp in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet.

“I’m not part of any meeting,” he said.

Bersamin, meanwhile, on Sunday dispelled rumors that he would quit his post or be replaced by the President.

Speculation about Bersamin’s supposed exit coincided with the Iglesia ni Cristo’s three-day rally calling for accountability amid alleged corruption in government projects.

Talk of a Cabinet shakeup first circulated online on Saturday, suggesting Bersamin would be replaced by Recto, and that Recto in turn would be succeeded at the DOF by Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go.