President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed University of the Philippines (UP) professor Kim Robert De Leon as the new Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Malacañang announced Monday, May 18.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro noted that De Leon will be the youngest member of Marcos’ Cabinet.

De Leon is set to formally assume his post on Tuesday, May 19.

“Kim Robert de Leon is the new Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management, becoming the youngest member of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Cabinet," Castro said.

"Secretary de Leon is expected to take his oath of office tomorrow [May 19],“ she added.

He is recognized for his expertise in fiscal management, organizational reform, and digital transformation.

De Leon replaced Rolando Toledo, who had been serving as the department’s interim head since November 2025.

A career public servant and academic, De Leon graduated magna cum laude and valedictorian from the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG) in 2024.

Prior to his appointment, De Leon served in the Department of Transportation (DOTr) as Undersecretary for Administration and Finance.

Meanwhile, former DBM Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo is expected to be appointed to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Board of Trustees, representing organizations of government employees and retirees, according to Castro.