Incoming Executive Secretary Ralph Recto thanked President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for his new designation and dismissed any notion of grandeur attached to the role, saying he would rather work behind the scenes than under the spotlight.

“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 in a press statement released on Monday.

He said his “marching order” was simple: he must focus on ensuring that all departments and agencies perform well and fulfill their promises to the Filipino people in spite of political turmoil. He called his role “taong bahay.”

“For me to be effective, I will be deliberately staying out of the limelight. I will not be chasing headlines, but deadlines… I will not be angling for likes and shares and views. I would rather be a workhorse than a showhorse,” Recto said.

Recto expressed respect and admiration for resigned Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, praising him as a “mentor” of wisdom and kindness.

The Palace earlier announced Recto's appointment following its acceptance of Bersamin’s resignation. Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go will be leading the DOF in Recto’s place.