Newly appointed Department of Budget and Management Secretary Kim Robert de Leon received strong support from lawmakers and local government leaders on Tuesday as he formally assumed office under the Marcos administration.
De Leon took his oath before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on May 19, succeeding Acting DBM Secretary Rolando Toledo in one of the government’s key economic and administrative posts.
Among those who immediately expressed confidence in the new budget chief was Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman, who described De Leon as a capable leader expected to bring “fresh energy, fairness, and transparency” to the country’s budgeting process.
Hataman said De Leon’s appointment comes at a critical period when Filipinos expect government spending to produce concrete and immediate benefits for communities.
“Sec. De Leon brings youth, training, and experience in public work,” Hataman said.
The Basilan governor emphasized that the DBM’s role extends beyond approving allocations and balancing fiscal figures, stressing that national budgeting directly affects the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
“For many Filipinos, government funds can mean medicine in a barangay health center, a teacher in a classroom, support for farmers and fisherfolk, livelihood for parents, or a road that makes daily life less difficult,” he said.
Hataman noted that De Leon now faces the challenge of ensuring that public funds are efficiently directed to programs that genuinely benefit the people, particularly underserved communities.
He also expressed hope that the new DBM leadership would promote a budgeting system that is “more fair, more practical, and more transparent,” while remaining receptive to the concerns of local governments and grassroots sectors.
“We hope Sec. De Leon will bring fresh energy to DBM, but also humility,” Hataman added, stressing that effective governance requires listening to communities that best understand local needs and priorities.
Hataman also wished De Leon wisdom and courage as he begins his term, saying the Basilan provincial government is prepared to work closely with the DBM under its new leadership.
Even before formally taking office, De Leon had already gained support from several lawmakers. Deputy Speakers Paolo Ortega V and Jay Khonghun earlier welcomed his appointment, saying his leadership could help modernize budget governance and strengthen transparency and accountability in government spending.