DOF begins smooth transition process

The Aquino administration will ensure a smooth transition at the Department of Finance (DOF) on June 30, incumbent fiscal authorities’ chief Cesar V. Purisima said.

According to DOF Media Relations office, Purisima and incoming finance secretary Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez, 69, met last Friday in Makati City to begin the transition process between the two administrations.

In a statement released Monday, DOF said that Purisima wanted to “personally ensure” that the economic team of presumptive President Rodrigo R. Duterte will “hit the ground running on day one.”

“Mr. Dominguez is an esteemed businessman and public servant with a lengthy record of excellence,” Purisima said. “I am confident that when I pass the baton in this relay race of governance, the economic team will be ready to sustain and improve on our gains.”

According to Purisima said, there are three important things for any finance secretary.

First, “Having the ear of the President—having the stomach to stand firm in advising him soundly even in the face of opposing political tides.”

Second, “Having an understanding of government and an appreciation for good governance.”

And third “Having an understanding of how business works and the economic landscape you'll be navigating.”

But Purisima said “Mr. Dominguez has all three.”

More than a month before the turnover, DOF said it has prepared a transition document detailing the state of progress across its various clusters and results areas, including revenue, liability management, privatization, state-owned firms, and corporate affairs.

The transition document will serve to keep the new leadership abreast on where things are with the DOF's priorities and projects, Purisima said.

The DOF Manual of Institutional Knowledge is another document Purisima is keen to pass on to Dominguez and his team.

To be finished by the end of June, the manual will contain four volumes of documented learnings in the DOF over the past six years of the Aquino administration—best practices from the DOF Institute, learnings on what could have gone better, and recommendations moving forward.

The manual also codifies 200 processes and approval protocols, with templates of completed staff work and style guides.

Following a rationalization process on the DOF's issuances including 4,300 department orders since 1958, the DOF will also pass on a simplified body of issuances, for improved institutional coherence and ease of enforcement.

The DOF is also completing upgrades and renovation works on the 5th and 6th floors as well as the roofdeck, to afford the new team an enhanced working environment.

“We take transitioning seriously and view it as an integral part of organizational development. We want to ensure the new team has all the means and resources to succeed on day one,” Purisima said.

“My team is coordinating with his in order to work with depth over the next month on a smooth transition,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, sources said that Dominguez requested Purisima to retain his current staff for a month after the turnover on June 30.