President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Kim Robert De Leon as secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Malacañang announced on Monday.
De Leon is expected to take his oath of office this Tuesday, according to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.
Outgoing acting Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo said he respected the President’s decision and pledged support for the incoming DBM chief.
A career public servant, De Leon has been recognized for his work in fiscal management, organizational reform and digital transformation.
He graduated magna cum laude and valedictorian from the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance.
He also topped the 2016 Environmental Planning Licensure Examination and earned master’s degrees in urban and regional planning and public safety administration, both with academic honors.
In 2021, De Leon completed a certificate program in business process management at Queensland University of Technology under the Australia Awards scholarship program.
The appointment comes as the Marcos administration continues to push for reforms in government budgeting, spending efficiency, and digitalization across state agencies.
“I serve at the pleasure of the President, and I fully respect the wisdom of his decisions,” Toledo said in a statement.
“As I transition from this role, I extend my wholehearted support to the new DBM Secretary and remain confident in the Department’s continued pursuit of sound, transparent, and people-centered governance,” he added.
Toledo, who has served in government for more than 38 years, will be appointed to the Board of Trustees representing leading organizations or associations of government employees retirees under the Government Service Insurance System.
He said his commitment to public service “remains unchanged” and thanked God for the opportunity to lead the budget department.
