President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has picked a young technocrat to take charge of the government’s purse, naming 32-year-old Kim Robert de Leon as secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.
The appointment, confirmed by Palace press officer Claire Castro, placed De Leon at the helm of one of the most powerful agencies just as the government ramps up budget planning and scrutiny over public spending.
De Leon took over from Rolando Toledo, who had been holding the post in an acting capacity after the exit of Amenah Pangandaman, whose resignation came amid controversy over multibillion-peso flood control projects.
His entry into the Cabinet came at a crucial juncture, with the DBM working on the proposed 2027 budget while facing pressure to tighten transparency and accountability mechanisms.
The new budget chief was also expected to help secure funding for the government’s response to the Middle East crisis and the ongoing energy situation, including tapping available state resources.
Marcos moved Toledo to the Government Service Insurance System board, signaling a shift in leadership while keeping a veteran fiscal hand within the government.
Toledo said he respected the President’s decision and expressed confidence that the DBM would stay on track in delivering prudent and people-focused budgeting under new leadership, while reaffirming his commitment to public service.
Despite his age, De Leon brought a mix of academic credentials and government experience, having previously served in the DBM, Department of Transportation, and the Office of the President, as his appointment fueled talk of possible changes within the Cabinet.