LEGARDA LAUDS NEW ECONOMIC TEAM

Senator-elect Loren Legarda today (30 May 2022) welcomed the new economic team of President-elect Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. led by Central Bank Governor Benjamin Diokno as Secretary of Finance, BSP Monetary Board Member Felipe Medalla as Central Bank Chief, former budget Undersecretary Amenah Pangandaman as Secretary of Budget and Management, Arsenio Balisacan as Secretary of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and former University of the Philippines President Alfredo Pascual as Secretary of Trade and Industry.

“The president could not have chosen a better team to manage the country’s business and economic affairs as the country recovers from the debilitating crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Legarda said.

She stressed that apart from being experts in their respective fields, members of the incoming economic team are known for their integrity and proven track record. “They are also widely respected by the business community both here and abroad,” she said. 

Legarda was particularly pleased with the nominations of Finance Secretary Diokno and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who she worked with closely as chair of the Senate Finance Committee. Diokno was her consultant for many years while Pangandaman was Chief of Staff for budget in the Senate of Sen. Legarda. 

“Sec. Diokno’s vast experience, here and abroad, his integrity and wisdom as head of the economic team will surely augur well as we face the twin crises of pandemic recovery, and climate change”, says 4 term Senator Loren Legarda. 

“Undersecretary Pangandaman brings to the table a deep-seated knowledge of the budget and legislative process. She is a dedicated government worker, with an exceptional work ethic.  This is a unique combination that will help her steer the agency and assist the new administration in the most urgent task of rebuilding the country,” she stressed. # # #