Diokno on replacement rumors: ‘I serve at the pleasure of the President’

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Thursday downplayed rumors that Deputy Speaker and Batangas Representative Ralph Recto would take over his position.

In a television interview, Diokno said he is still dedicated to serving in the government, emphasizing that he will continue working as long as needed.

"I serve at the pleasure of the President (Ferdinand Marcos Jr.)," Diokno said.

"I will work until — as long as I'm needed in the government," Diokno added.

When asked if he believes the President is still happy with his work, he said, "I think so."

Deputy Speaker and Batangas Representative Ralph Recto himself also played down rumors suggesting he would be appointed as the Finance secretary.

"I have no idea. That's for the President to decide," Recto said at the sidelines of the bicameral conference committee hearing on the proposed P5.7 trillion national budget for 2024 earlier this month.

Speculation regarding the legislator's potential appointment stemmed from his participation in the President's recent trip to the United States for the 30th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Summit.

This is not the first time Diokno has faced questions about his position as the Finance secretary.

Rumors also circulated last year mentioned that Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda was being considered as the next Finance secretary. But Salceda shrugged it off.

Marcos also dismissed rumors of replacing Diokno, labeling them "fake news."

"I don't know where it comes from. Why would I do that? We've assembled a great team. In addition, we're trying to go down a certain direction," Marcos told the media in an interview following the 49th Founding Anniversary of Career Executive Service Board and 2022 Career Executive Service Lifelong Learning for Leadership Congress.