Manila: Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s commitment to fiscal integrity, transparency, and citizen participation in governance, saying these reforms have helped keep the Philippine economy resilient despite global headwinds. Speaking at the 2025 Fiscal Policy Conference organized by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Monday, Pangandaman said the continued implementation of fiscal and budgetary reforms would sustain the country’s growth momentum.
According to Philippines News Agency, Pangandaman emphasized that, despite economic headwinds and sociopolitical volatility, the Philippine economy remains resilient, with manageable inflation and robust employment. She expressed confidence that the nation would maintain its status as one of Asia Pacific’s fastest-growing economies through sustained reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.
Pangandaman, who also chairs the Development Budget Coordination Committee, stated that the DBM’s policy direction is anchored on “transparent governance as a foundation of fiscal integrity,” highlighting the connection between accountability and economic stability. The conference, held under the theme “Strengthening Fiscal Integrity through Transparent Governance,” gathered leading economists, public finance experts, and development partners to discuss strategies for improving public financial management and restoring public trust.
DBM Undersecretary Margaux Salcedo cited the agency’s Project DIME (Digital Imaging for Monitoring and Evaluation) as part of efforts to enhance oversight and accountability in public spending. Experts, including Prof. Solita ‘Winnie’ Monsod and Dr. Jesus Estanislao, called for stronger monitoring systems, visionary leadership, and a long-term development perspective to ensure sound fiscal management.
Asian Development Bank specialist, lawyer Jose Luis Syquia, highlighted the role of digital transformation and the use of tools such as the Philippine Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability assessment in benchmarking and improving fiscal systems. UP Prof. Emeritus Dr. Alex Brillantes stressed that good governance is key to fiscal integrity, warning that corruption, rooted in weak accountability, remains a significant constraint. He urged reforms in governance structures, public mindsets, and leadership culture to build a more transparent and trustworthy fiscal system.
