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Advocates Philippines
Salceda Backs Kim De Leon As New DBM Chief, Says 'He Knows The Budget Inside Out'
Photo credit: Congress PH
Economist and policy expert Joey Salceda has expressed confidence in the appointment of Kim de Leon as the next head of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), describing him as a seasoned expert with a deep understanding of the country’s budget process.
In a statement released Monday, Salceda said he could not fully comment on ongoing budget-related issues because of his role as amicus curiae before the Supreme Court in a case involving unprogrammed appropriations, where the DBM is among the respondents.
Still, he openly vouched for de Leon’s competence and experience in handling national budget matters.
Salceda recalled working closely with de Leon during congressional budget deliberations, particularly when he defended the proposed Budget Reform Act in the House plenary. The measure sought to limit unprogrammed appropriations to just two percent of the national budget.
At the time, de Leon was serving as DBM undersecretary.
According to Salceda, de Leon played a key role in supporting discussions on the proposed reforms, as well as during deliberations on the 2020, 2021, and 2022 national budgets.
“He has the policy handle needed for the job,” Salceda said, noting that de Leon’s academic work on the Philippine budget system has also become an important reference for policymakers and government officials.
Salceda added that the incoming DBM chief faces major economic challenges, especially as the government pushes to accelerate spending on high-impact projects amid rising fuel costs and supply chain concerns.
He stressed the need for faster fund releases for programs that could help boost economic growth and ease the prices of basic goods for ordinary Filipinos.
“The challenge now is making sure government spending delivers immediate and long-term benefits,” Salceda said.
In a statement released Monday, Salceda said he could not fully comment on ongoing budget-related issues because of his role as amicus curiae before the Supreme Court in a case involving unprogrammed appropriations, where the DBM is among the respondents.
Still, he openly vouched for de Leon’s competence and experience in handling national budget matters.
Salceda recalled working closely with de Leon during congressional budget deliberations, particularly when he defended the proposed Budget Reform Act in the House plenary. The measure sought to limit unprogrammed appropriations to just two percent of the national budget.
At the time, de Leon was serving as DBM undersecretary.
According to Salceda, de Leon played a key role in supporting discussions on the proposed reforms, as well as during deliberations on the 2020, 2021, and 2022 national budgets.
“He has the policy handle needed for the job,” Salceda said, noting that de Leon’s academic work on the Philippine budget system has also become an important reference for policymakers and government officials.
Salceda added that the incoming DBM chief faces major economic challenges, especially as the government pushes to accelerate spending on high-impact projects amid rising fuel costs and supply chain concerns.
He stressed the need for faster fund releases for programs that could help boost economic growth and ease the prices of basic goods for ordinary Filipinos.
“The challenge now is making sure government spending delivers immediate and long-term benefits,” Salceda said.
May 19, 2026
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