Purisima named finance chief for Asia

MANILA, Philippines - Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima has once again been recognized as Finance Minister of the Year for Asia for 2013 by Emerging Markets. This marks the second time Purisima has been named as such, as he was the recipient of the same honor in 2011. In 2012, Purisima was recognized by Euromoney magazine as the Finance Minister of the Year for 2012, making this the third straight year that he has received such an honor.

In accepting the award, Purisima stressed that President Aquino deserved all credit for the honors, emphasizing that the economic gains which caused him to be considered were the product of the President’s path of  good governance. 

“I must make it clear that this award is not mine. The award recognizes things that were only made possible by President Aquino’s commitment to good governance, as well as his honesty, leadership, and astute use of political capital.” he said.

Purisima also thanked his colleagues in the Cabinet and fellow members of the Economic Development Cluster as partners in a “collaborative effort” in restoring economic strength to the Philippines. The DOF chief also mentioned that in the future, the economic policy of the Philippines will involve doing “more of what has been done right, on a larger scale.”

“This means to continue to pursue reform in agencies, such as our Bureau of Customs, where corruption has built strongholds. This also means investing further in our people and especially our infrastructure, the roads, power plants, ports, airports and more that form an equalizing backbone for our economy.” Purisima said.

The DOF chief noted that the economic effort from the Philippines would not let up, and that he, the President and the Cabinet would not pull themselves out of contention just yet.

“I am confident we will give you cause to consider the Philippines for this award in the future.” Purisima said.