Newly-appointed Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said he would focus on governance and will deliberately stay out of the limelight.

"For me to be effective, I will be deliberately staying out of the limelight. I will not be chasing headlines, but deadlines," Recto said in a statement on Monday, Nov. 17.

The new Executive Secretary said he is prepared to bury himself in paperwork—"to read the fine print so that policies that land on the president’s desk have been properly vetted, and when translated to orders are heard loud and clear."

"I will not be angling for likes and shares and views. I would rather be a workhorse than a showhorse," Recto said.

Recto further said that he will not consider himself as the "little president"—a moniker given to every administration's executive secretary.

"First, I don't agree with that term Little President. There is only one President. Let us disabuse ourselves of the notion that the Executive Secretary is clothed with some mythical awesome powers," Recto said.

Recto stated that his marching order is to focus on governance and ensure that the departments are not distracted by political noise.

"My marching order is simple. Focus on governance. Monitor the performance of departments and maximize their outputs. For them not be distracted by political noise. Make sure that agencies are doing their job, and delivering their promises to the people. I see my role as taong bahay (housekeeper)," Recto said.

"To be called to serve as Executive Secretary at this decisive moment is an honor matched only by its gravity," Recto also said.

In his statement, Recto thanked President Marcos for his trust and confidence. He also conveyed his respect and admiration to his predecessor, Lucas Bersamin, saying "he possesses the wisdom for the ages, and the kindness of a true gentleman."

Recto replaced Bersamin, who resigned from his post "out of delicadeza" after his office was linked to the flood control anomalies.

Recto will be replaced by Adviser for Investments and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go as the new Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary.

In a statement on Monday, Go likewise thanked Marcos for his continuing trust and confidence as he committed to promote fiscal strength and sustain economic growth under his leadership.

"It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I take on this role. Recognizing the challenges and opportunities ahead, I am fully committed to promoting fiscal strength and sustainable economic growth for the country," Go said.

"I look forward to working closely with our partners in government, the private sector, and the international community to pursue shared prosperity and a brighter future for all Filipinos," he added.