A former finance secretary has called on financial executives to utilize their expertise to ensure national resources are used to improve the lives of Filipinos, citing concerns over recent budget allocations.
In a statement, Ramon R. del Rosario, Jr., PHINMA Corp. chairman and chief executive officer, said that as finance professionals, they cannot remain silent when they notice troubling patterns in public spending.
Del Rosario noted recent allocations within the P6.32-trillion national budget, specifically pointing out cuts to education and healthcare budgets alongside significant increases for public works projects.
“We should not just be guardians of corporate bottom lines; we should be stewards of our nation's dignity and well-being,” Del Rosario said during the recent Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) 2025 induction ceremonies.
He added that finance professionals should provide independent analysis and evidence-based recommendations in budget discussions.
Del Rosario, who also chairs the PHINMA-DLSU Center for Business and Society (PDCBS) Board of Advisors, urged FINEX members to explain complex budget issues to the public, collaborate with advocacy groups to push for beneficial reforms, and advocate for the use of national resources to strengthen institutions.
He said, “Our role is not merely to crunch numbers, but to safeguard the dignity of every Filipino by ensuring that our nation's resources are used wisely and equitably.”
PHINMA Chief Financial Officer and FINEX President EJ A. Qua Hiansen was among the inductees at the ceremony.
He accepted the challenge and encouraged fellow finance leaders to promote positive societal change.
Del Rosario concluded, “As we celebrate the induction of new officers, let us also reaffirm our commitment to being a force for good, to using our skills and our influence to build a nation that truly works for everyone.”
Del Rosario was secretary of the Department of Finance from 1992 to 1993.