Co-Sponsorship Speech: Confirmation of Appointment of Hon. Benjamin Diokno, Secretary of DBM

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
Co-Sponsorship Speech
Confirmation of Appointment of Hon. Benjamin Diokno, Secretary of DBM

Mr. President,

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, I have the honor to co-sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of the Honorable Benjamin Diokno as Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Secretary Diokno’s competence is 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.

As Budget Secretary from 1998 to 2001 and DBM Undersecretary from 1986 to 1991, Secretary Diokno helped craft the Local Government Code, specifically on fiscal decentralization, and was 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.

As Budget Secretary of the Duterte Administration, he wants a “pro-growth, pro-poor and balanced economic development strategy.”

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.

Mr. President, it is for these reasons that I move that the ad interim appointment of the Honorable Benjamin Diokno as Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) be confirmed.

Thank you.