NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Ortega Welcomes New DBM Chief, Pushes Stronger Budget Transparency
Photo credit: Paolo Ortega
Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V on Monday welcomed the appointment of Kim Robert de Leon as the new secretary of the Department of Budget and Management, saying the move could help strengthen transparency and modernize the country’s budget system.
Ortega said De Leon’s experience in government, academia, and institutional reform gives him a strong foundation to improve budget governance and public accountability.
Before joining the Cabinet, De Leon previously served as a DBM undersecretary and later held posts at the Department of Transportation and the Office of the President. He also taught at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
The La Union lawmaker emphasized the importance of the DBM’s role in safeguarding public funds and maintaining public trust in government spending.
According to Ortega, the appointment comes at a time when there is increasing public demand for greater transparency in the national budget, tighter safeguards against questionable fund insertions, and clearer monitoring of how government money is spent.
He said the House of Representatives is ready to work closely with the new DBM leadership on reforms aimed at improving digital tracking of allocations, stricter fund release standards, and better disclosure of budget adjustments.
Ortega also expressed hope that younger leadership in fiscal governance would bring innovation and faster reforms to outdated systems while remaining open to legislative oversight.
He stressed that government spending should not only be fast, but also transparent, accountable, and focused on programs that directly benefit ordinary Filipinos.
Ortega said De Leon’s experience in government, academia, and institutional reform gives him a strong foundation to improve budget governance and public accountability.
Before joining the Cabinet, De Leon previously served as a DBM undersecretary and later held posts at the Department of Transportation and the Office of the President. He also taught at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
The La Union lawmaker emphasized the importance of the DBM’s role in safeguarding public funds and maintaining public trust in government spending.
According to Ortega, the appointment comes at a time when there is increasing public demand for greater transparency in the national budget, tighter safeguards against questionable fund insertions, and clearer monitoring of how government money is spent.
He said the House of Representatives is ready to work closely with the new DBM leadership on reforms aimed at improving digital tracking of allocations, stricter fund release standards, and better disclosure of budget adjustments.
Ortega also expressed hope that younger leadership in fiscal governance would bring innovation and faster reforms to outdated systems while remaining open to legislative oversight.
He stressed that government spending should not only be fast, but also transparent, accountable, and focused on programs that directly benefit ordinary Filipinos.
May 18, 2026
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