Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno. CDN FILE PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA
Updated Sept. 28, 2016, 2:30 p.m.
The Commission on Appointments (CA) has confirmed the ad interim appointment of Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, the first Cabinet member of President Rodrigo Duterte who got the nod of the powerful body.
Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said the CA unanimously approved on Wednesday Diokno’s appointment.
It was Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, as chair of the CA’s committee on budget and management, who recommended Diokno’s confirmation at the plenary.
In endorsing Diokno’s confirmation, Zubiri cited the official’s “impressive academic record, extensive service in the academe and government and expertise in fiscal policy.”
“I value his bold vision to end underspending on public goods and services, boost public infrastructure spending, and attain fiscal responsibility and transparency,” said the senator.
“This is the third administration that Sec. Diokno will be serving, which shows that this is an appointment based on merit, and one that transcends politics and personal affiliations,” he said.
Zubiri said Diokno first served the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) as Assistant Minister under President Corazon Aquino. He also served as DBM chief during the time of then President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.
Senator Loren Legarda also endorsed Diokno’s confirmation, saying his competence was “unquestionable, owing to his expertise in the field of economics and extensive experience in introducing reforms in the public sector.”
“His educational and career background make him truly fit for the position, which he has already held in 1998,” she said.
As Budget Secretary from 1998 to 2001 and DBM Undersecretary from 1986 to 1991, Legarda said, Diokno helped craft the Local Government Code, specifically on fiscal decentralization.
She said the Budget chief was also involved in major tax and procurement policy reforms, as well as reforms that would enhance transparency and improve the efficiency of the delivery of government services.
“I support Secretary Diokno and I firmly believe in his capability to carry out reforms and introduce programs that would ensure equitable, inclusive, resilient and sustainable growth for the country,” Legarda said. CDG
READ:Diokno back at DBM: Old spending habits must go