Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s commitment to fiscal integrity, transparency, and citizen participation — key factors that she said have helped sustain the Philippine economy amid global challenges.
Speaking at the 2025 Fiscal Policy Conference organized by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Monday, Pangandaman said ongoing fiscal and budgetary reforms will continue to drive growth and stability.
“Despite economic headwinds and sociopolitical volatility, the Philippine economy remains resilient, with manageable inflation and robust employment,” Pangandaman said. “I am confident we will maintain our status as one of Asia Pacific’s fastest-growing economies through sustained reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.”
As chair of the Development Budget Coordination Committee, Pangandaman stressed that the DBM’s direction is anchored on transparent governance as the foundation of fiscal integrity — linking accountability with long-term economic stability.
The conference, themed “Strengthening Fiscal Integrity through Transparent Governance,” gathered economists, finance experts, and development partners to discuss strategies for improving public financial management and restoring trust in institutions.
DBM Undersecretary Margaux Salcedo highlighted Project DIME (Digital Imaging for Monitoring and Evaluation) as part of the agency’s digital efforts to strengthen oversight and accountability in government spending.
Experts including Prof. Solita “Winnie” Monsod and Dr. Jesus Estanislao emphasized the need for visionary leadership and consistent monitoring to sustain fiscal discipline.
Asian Development Bank specialist Atty. Jose Luis Syquia also underscored the value of digital transformation tools such as the Philippine Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability assessment in improving fiscal systems.
Meanwhile, UP Prof. Emeritus Dr. Alex Brillantes reminded that “good governance is the cornerstone of fiscal integrity,” warning that corruption rooted in weak accountability continues to hinder development.
He urged reforms in leadership culture, governance structures, and public mindset to build a more transparent and trustworthy fiscal system.