From Newsroom to Finance Department: Frederick Go's Remarkable Journey
The recent appointment of Frederick D. Go as the new Secretary of the Department of Finance has created waves of excitement throughout the Philippines, particularly among media professionals who recognize him as one of their own. On November 17, 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made what many are calling a brilliant move by appointing the former business reporter to this crucial economic position.
What many Filipinos might not know is that before becoming a key economic architect, Secretary Go served as a business reporter for The Manila Times during the late 1980s and early 1990s. His journalism background also includes serving as editor-in-chief of The Guidon, the official student publication of Ateneo De Manila University.
Media and Business Communities Celebrate Appointment
The media community has expressed overwhelming support for Go's new role. The Pampanga Press Club publicly welcomed his appointment through their Facebook page, while veteran journalist Tony Lopez described the selection in his Philippine Star column as a masterstroke by President Marcos.
The business sector has shown equal enthusiasm for Go's promotion. Both the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) issued statements supporting his appointment. Locally, the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) became the first regional business chamber to endorse the new Finance Secretary.
PamCham President Atty. Paul Yusi emphasized the importance of having a tested business and government leader in the position, particularly someone who understands the need to level the playing field for both large investors and micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Track Record of Economic Achievements
Secretary Go brings substantial accomplishments from his previous role as Special Assistant to the President on Investments and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA). During his tenure, he reported an impressive P1.9 trillion worth of investment commitments in the previous year.
One of his most significant achievements includes securing a waiver of tariffs on certain agricultural products exported to the United States. These tariffs previously stood at 19 percent and affected approximately half of the $14.5 billion in Philippine exports to the US. This accomplishment represents more than just a trade victory—it has saved entire industry sectors and provided crucial support to the national economy.
Go, often referred to as FDG, also played a pivotal role in the passage of the CREATE More law (Republic Act 12066), demonstrating his capability to deliver substantial economic reforms.
Strategic Alignment with BCDA Drives National Development
The partnership between Secretary Go's office and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has proven particularly effective in advancing Philippine economic development. The BCDA, which oversees developments in Clark, John Hay, Poro Point, and Bonifacio Global City, has maintained strong alignment with SAPIEA's investment priorities.
This symbiotic relationship has yielded tangible results. The BCDA ranks as the 6th top performing government corporation out of 144 in terms of dividend remittances, contributing P5.17 billion to government coffers. More importantly, the agency has been instrumental in attracting new locators and generating employment through the economic zones it develops.
The agency also serves as the top non-tax contributor to the AFP Modernization Program, directly boosting national security. With ISO 9001 certification maintained for over a decade, BCDA demonstrates consistent systems and governance trusted across administrations.
Visible outcomes of this partnership include the SCTEX, the new Clark International Airport terminal, and New Clark City—infrastructure projects that continue to drive regional economic growth.
Building Economic Confidence for the Future
As the Philippines navigates current economic challenges and rising public expectations, the partnership between BCDA and Secretary Go provides essential stability. Their combined focus on converting idle state assets into economic engines, while pushing for stronger investment flows and fiscal stability, positions them as crucial drivers of the administration's growth agenda.
The consistent execution, clear priorities, and measurable outcomes achieved by this partnership help build confidence among communities, investors, and the broader public. With Secretary Go's media background providing unique insight into public communication and his proven track record in economic management, his appointment signals a promising direction for Philippine economic policy.
