New acting DBM chief to work on ‘rebuilding trust in gov’t’

Metro Manila, Philippines – As new acting budget secretary, economist Rolando Toledo was tasked to focus on “rebuilding trust in government” and push reforms that promote “fiscal transparency” amid ongoing allegations of corruption surrounding the department. 

“Toledo will focus on rebuilding trust in government, continuing advocacies for reforms that promote fiscal transparency and citizen participation through the Philippine Open Government Partnership, and modernizing government processes,” said the department’s announcement on Wednesday, Dec. 10. 

Toledo took his oath at Malacanang on Tuesday, presided by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 

The fiscal expert has served about four decades in the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) since 1987. 

Prior to his appointment, he served as Director of the Fiscal Planning and Reforms Bureau and Assistant Secretary and Undersecretary of the Budget Policy and Strategy Group.

Toledo’s most recent role was undersecretary of the Budget Preparation and Execution Group, the central unit responsible for the development and execution of the national budget.

A certified public accountant, he graduated in the UP School of Economics with studies in Development Economics. 

Toledo replaced resigned secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who was implicated by ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co in the alleged kickback scheme and budget insertions. 

Co claimed that a P100-billion allocation was inserted in the bicameral version of the 2024 national budget.

The Palace said Pangandaman resigned to give way to investigations on the flood control corruption scandal.