Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (left), DOF Secretary Ralph Recto (MANILA BULLETIN/ Facebook)

Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said the recent designation of his former House colleague Ralph Recto as Department of Finance (DOF) secretary will help the Philippines achieve a "tiger economy". 

Barbers had this to say after his fellow Nacionalista Party (NP) stalwart Recto formally took over the reins at the DOF.

"With his experience, knowledge, and management skills he certainly fits the post," Barbers said of Recto on Wednesday, Jan. 17. 

"Our country is facing several challenges as we develop into a tiger economy in Asia. With Secretary Recto lending his expertise to the Cabinet at this crucial juncture, we're assured that there's another capable hand on the country’s economic steering wheel," the veteran solon said. 

A tiger economy is a term commonly used to describe several booming economies in Southeast Asia. Past Philippine presidents have openly aspired for this status. 

Asian tiger economies typically include Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan. 

"He will surely step up and steer his department into a more productive, dynamic, and inclusive agency for the welfare of the Filipino people," Barbers further said of Recto. 

The latter effectively vacated his position as Batangas 6th district congressman and House deputy speaker when he took his oath as finance chief on Jan. 12. 

Recto is also a former longtime senator, and held the position of Senate President Pro Tempore. He also once served as director-general of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). 

'Genius in numbers' 

Earlier congratulating Recto for his appointment to the Marcos Cabinet was another party-mate in House Deputy Speaker Las Piñas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar. 

"His appointment is a testament to the administration’s determination to strongly push the country’s economic recovery and success. He is a genius in numbers and arithmetic and has wide experience in turning mathematics to concrete realities," Villar said.

"We at the Nacionalista Party are truly proud of you, Cong. Ralph. We have no doubt that you could steer the country towards fiscal prosperity," she added.