Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto gave his marching orders to newly appointed local treasurers in Visayas and Mindanao to act as the nation’s first line of defense for fiscal governance, ensuring that local budgets are faithfully executed in order to protect taxpayers’ hard-earned money.
“As our first line of defense of fiscal governance at the local level, we are counting on you not only to guard and manage our resources well. But to ensure the faithful execution of our local budgets,” he said in his message.
Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) Supervising Assistant Secretary Danielle Marie S. Rieza-Culangen and Department of Finance (DOF) Legal Services and Local Finance Group Undersecretary Bayani H. Agabin facilitated the Ceremonial Oath Taking of 195 newly appointed local treasurers and assistant local treasurers from Regions VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on September 8, 2025.
Local treasurers are the backbone of local government units (LGUs), serving as financial advisors and protectors of local finances by ensuring proper fund management.
Provincial, city, and municipal treasurers and assistant treasurers are under the technical and administrative supervision of the DOF through the BLGF.
Sections 470 and 471 of the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991 mandate the Finance Secretary to appoint local and assistant local treasurers of all provinces, cities, and municipalities.
In his message, Secretary Recto thanked the newly appointed local treasurers for choosing to serve the country, especially during a time when the clamor for transparency, integrity, and good governance has never been louder.
“The President has made it clear: under his watch, it will not be business as usual. Dahil walang Bagong Pilipinas, kung walang tunay na pagbabago. At ang pagbabagong ito ay hindi lamang pangako ng pamahalaan. Ito ay pangarap na sabay-sabay nating tinutupad,” he said.
With this, Secretary Recto called all local treasurers to take accountability and step up in their roles to combat corruption.
“Every hard-earned taxpayer’s money is under scrutiny––as it should be. And we need allies on the ground to keep a vigilant watch on the Filipino people’s money,” he stressed.
“Ang buwis na ating kinokolekta ay katumbas ng pawis ng isang magsasaka, kita ng isang manggagawa, at pangarap ng isang ama o ina para sa kanyang pamilya. Kaya’t ingatan po natin ito. Bantayan po natin ito ng mabuti,” the Finance Chief added.
Secretary Recto assured local treasurers of the DOF’s commitment and support, encouraging them to strive for efficiency, lead with transparency, and uphold the highest ethical standards for every Filipino.
