Rolando Toledo Named Officer-in-Charge of DBM Following Pangandaman's Resignation

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Rolando Toledo revealed on Monday his unexpected designation as the agency's officer-in-charge, subsequent to the resignation of Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

In an impromptu interview during Senate discussions on the proposed 2026 budgets for the DBM and other government bodies, Toledo disclosed that he was only informed shortly before Pangandaman's departure.

"I was told just before she left. She stepped out of the session hall to attend a meeting. Then I was informed that my name was recommended for the position. That is how it happened," Toledo told reporters.

He admitted to being caught off guard by the sudden announcement, saying, "I only found out recently. Honestly, I was surprised. I’m still shaking right now."

Earlier Monday afternoon, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed Pangandaman’s voluntary resignation, which followed her involvement in allegations regarding the flood control projects.

Alongside Pangandaman, Atty. Lucas Bersamin also resigned from his role as Executive Secretary. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto is set to replace Bersamin.

When asked about his readiness to head the DBM, Toledo responded, "We will accept it for the sake of the country."

Toledo’s appointment comes at a critical time as the Senate is scheduled to deliberate on the DBM’s 2026 budget proposal of ₱3.46 billion later Monday, with Senator Sherwin Gatchalian sponsoring the measure. Gatchalian also chairs the Senate finance committee.

Toledo expressed his commitment to supporting Gatchalian in defending the budget proposal, stating, "As of now, with the Secretary absent, we are here with our senior staff present."

The DBM is responsible for national budget preparation and fiscal oversight, distributing funds and monitoring expenditures across government agencies. Its affiliated bodies include the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), and the National Government Portal (NGP) / Central Information Systems Office (CISO). Additionally, it supervises the Procurement Service (PS-DBM), the government’s central purchasing unit.