The Department of Finance (DOF) is gearing up for the arrival of its new boss, and there is a whisper of hope that the incoming secretary might bring along an important person on his first day.
“Sana kasama si Ate Vi [I hope Ate Vi comes along],” quipped a long-time DOF staffer who asked to remain anonymous, referring to actress-politician Vilma Santos-Recto, the wife of newly-appointed Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto.
Despite being married for 31 years and both having careers in politics, the couple is seldom seen together in public. However, on Thursday, Jan. 11, Santos-Recto affirmed her husband’s commitment to addressing the country’s economic challenges.
In an interview with entertainment columnist Jun Lalin, Santos-Recto spoke favorably about her husband, referring to him as a “good economist," and expressing her hope for his success at the DOF.
She also urged the public to avoid making negative comments and spreading negativity regarding the incoming Cabinet member.
“I am confident in his dedication to help our country, and I hope that he will perform admirably. Let us refrain from making negative comments or sending negative vibes, as his intention is genuinely to aid in resolving our economic challenges,” she said in Filipino.
Santos-Recto, also known as the “Star of All Seasons,” is currently not holding any government post and has returned to her acting career. She recently won the Best Actress award at the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival for her role in the movie “When I Met You in Tokyo.”
Her husband, on the other hand, had served as the representative for Batangas' 6th district and was also one of the House Deputy Speakers before being appointed to the DOF.
Recto, who is the father of Ryan Christian and the stepfather of television host Luis Manzano, is celebrating his 60th birthday today, Jan. 11.
Late Thursday, Malacañang officially announced Recto's appointment as the new DOF secretary, with several senators and a business group already extending their congratulations to him.
Recto's political roots run deep within his family. His grandfather, the late nationalist and statesman Claro M. Recto, was a Senator for numerous terms, while his father, Rafael Recto, served as an Assemblyman during the Regular Batasang Pambansa.
Recto began his political career as the representative of Batangas' 4th district from 1992 to 2001. During his three terms, he focused on enacting legislative measures aimed at economic reforms and poverty alleviation.
In 2001, he was elected to the Senate, where he chaired the Committees on Ways and Means as well as on Trade and Industry. However, he lost his Senate reelection bid in 2007.
But July 2008, Recto was appointed to lead the National Economic and Development Authority in the Arroyo administration. However, he resigned after one year to prepare for another Senate run in the 2010 elections, which he won.
Between 2010 and 2022, Recto served as the president pro tempore of the Senate and later as the Senate Minority Leader. During this time, he continued his focus on enacting legislative measures aimed at economic reforms and poverty alleviation.
Recto obtained his Master’s degree in Strategic Business Economics from the University of Asia and the Pacific.
Alongside this, he completed units for a master’s degree in Public Administration at the University of the Philippines and participated in a Leadership Course at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Additionally, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce majoring in Business Management from De La Salle University-Manila.
During his earlier education, Recto attended elementary school at the Ateneo de Manila University and completed his high school diploma at La Salle Greenhills.
In recognition of his contributions, Recto was honored with a Doctor of Science degree, honoris causa, from the Batangas State University.
Likewise, he received a Doctor of Humanities degree, honoris causa, from the Lipa City Public College in 2010 and from the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology in 2009.