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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Who is Kim de Leon, the new DBM chief?

Who is Kim de Leon, the new DBM chief?

Published May 19, 2026 01:08 pm
New DBM Secretary Kim Robert de Leon (Photo courtesy of UP-NCPAG)
New DBM Secretary Kim Robert de Leon (Photo courtesy of UP-NCPAG)
After days of rumors about a leadership change in the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Malacañang finally confirmed on May 18 that DBM Undersecretary Kim Robert de Leon had been appointed as the department’s new head.
In announcing De Leon's appointment, Malacañang highlighted his being the youngest member of President Marcos' Cabinet.

Career public servant

De Leon, 32, was described by the Palace as a career public servant known for his work in fiscal management, organizational reform, and digital transformation.
Before being appointed as DBM secretary, De Leon handled the DBM’s Organization and Systems Improvement Group and Information and Communications Technology Group.
He also previously served as undersecretary for administration and finance at the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Top student

De Leon graduated as Magna Cum Laude and Valedictorian from the University of the Philippines-National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG).
According to Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, he topped the 2016 Environmental Planning Licensure Examination.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning and in Public Safety Administration, with Academic Honors.
De Leon also obtained a Certificate in Business Process Management from the Queensland University of Technology in 2021 under the Australia Awards Scholarship Program.
Previously, De Leon was an assistant professor at the UP-NCPAG.

Anti-corruption efforts

According to the UP-NCPAG, De Leon is one of its Fellows in the Governance Reform, Innovation, and Transformation Collaboratory (GRIT Labs), focusing on public sector integrity, local government risk financing, and anti-corruption issues.
"He was particularly instrumental in the GRIT Labs' analysis of unprogrammed allocation and detection of anomalous flood control projects using AI," UP-NCPAG said.
In a statement on May 18, UP-NCPAG said De Leon brings to the DBM "a solid foundation in governance scholarship and praxis, with a deep understanding of public financial management, governance reform, and institutional accountability."
It added that "the College is confident that his strong intellectual grounding, combined with broad experience in public service, equips him to advance transparency, efficiency, and integrity in the stewardship of public resources and, therefore, contribute to strengthening the country’s fiscal management systems."

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DBM DBM Secretary Kim de Leon Marcos UP President Marcos
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