UP assistant professor Kim Robert de Leon named new DBM secretary
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed University of the Philippines assistant professor Kim Robert de Leon as new secretary of the Department of Budget and Management, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced on Monday.
The 32-year-old De Leon, who is now the youngest member of the Marcos Cabinet, will replace DBM Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo.
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He is scheduled to take his oath of office Tuesday, according to Castro during a Palace briefing.
“A career public servant, Secretary de Leon is recognized for his work and fiscal management,” Castro said.
De Leon has an academic background from the University of the Philippines Diliman, where he graduated magna cum laude and class valedictorian in public administration in 2014. He later completed a master’s degree in urban and regional planning in 2019.
He also topped the 2016 Environmental Planning Licensure Examination and earned a certificate in business process management from Queensland University of Technology.
The new DBM head previously served as DBM undersecretary from September 2021 to July 2022, and also held the same position at the Department of Transportation from July 2022 to January 2024.
He serves as an assistant professor at UP Diliman since August 2025.
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Toledo, meanwhile, will be appointed to the Board of Trustees representing leading organizations or associations of government retirees under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Castro said.
In a statement, Toledo extended his support to the new DBM chief and expressed confidence in the agency’s “continued pursuit of sound, transparent, and people-centered governance.”
“Rest assured that my commitment to serve our country and the Filipino people, which I have upheld for more than 38 years in public service, remains unchanged. That commitment will continue wherever I may be called to serve,” he said.
He added that he is grateful for the opportunity to have led the DBM and trusts in what he described as “God’s greater purpose and perfect timing.”/dp
