Ralph Recto
Ralph Gonzalez Recto (Tagalog pronunciation: [gonˈsalɛs ˈrɛktɔ]; born January 11, 1964) is a Filipino politician currently serving as the 33rd Secretary of Finance (pending Commission on Appointments confirmation) under President Bongbong Marcos since January 12, 2024. He previously served as the representative for Batangas' 6th district and as the House Deputy Speaker from 2022 to 2024.
Ralph Recto | |
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Official portrait, 2022 | |
| Secretary of Finance | |
Ad interim | |
| Assumed office January 12, 2024 | |
| President | Bongbong Marcos |
| Preceded by | Benjamin Diokno |
| Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives | |
| In office July 27, 2022 – January 12, 2024 | |
| Speaker | Martin Romualdez |
| Succeeded by | David Suarez |
| Member of the House of Representatives from Batangas | |
| In office June 30, 2022 – January 12, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Vilma Santos |
| Succeeded by | Martin Romualdez (caretaker) |
| Constituency | 6th district |
| In office June 30, 1992 – June 30, 2001 | |
| Preceded by | Jose E. Calingasan |
| Succeeded by | Oscar Gozos |
| Constituency | 4th district |
| Senate Minority Leader | |
| In office July 25, 2016 – February 27, 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Juan Ponce Enrile |
| Succeeded by | Franklin Drilon |
| President pro tempore of the Senate of the Philippines | |
| In office February 27, 2017 – June 30, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Franklin Drilon |
| Succeeded by | Juan Miguel Zubiri (acting) |
| In office July 22, 2013 – June 30, 2016 | |
| Preceded by | Jinggoy Estrada |
| Succeeded by | Franklin Drilon |
| Senator of the Philippines | |
| In office June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2022 | |
| In office June 30, 2001 – June 30, 2007 | |
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| In office July 23, 2008 – August 16, 2009 | |
| President | Gloria Macapagal Arroyo |
| Preceded by |
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| Succeeded by |
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| First Gentleman of Batangas | |
| In role June 30, 2007 – June 30, 2016 | |
| Governor | Vilma Santos |
| Preceded by | Edna Sanchez |
| Succeeded by | Regina Reyes Mandanas |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Ralph Gonzalez Recto January 11, 1964 Quezon City, Philippines |
| Political party | Nacionalista (2004–2007; 2018–present) |
| Other political affiliations | |
| Spouse | |
| Residences | |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Signature | |
| Website | Official website |
Recto also previously served three terms in the Senate: from 2001 to 2007 and from 2010 to 2022 and had served as president pro tempore of the Senate and Senate Minority Leader. He started his political career as the representative of Batangas' 4th district from 1992 to 2001.
In 2007, Recto lost his Senate reelection bid because, as many analysts believed, he had authored the unpopular EVAT (Expanded Value Added Tax) law. In July 2008 he was appointed to head the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the Arroyo administration, but resigned from his position in August 2009 in preparation for another run for the Senate in the 2010 elections.
He is a grandson of statesman Claro M. Recto. His wife is actress-politician Vilma Santos.