The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), under the leadership of Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman, welcomed the ratification of the final version of the Government Optimization Bill by the Bicameral Conference Committee. This landmark legislation aims to empower the President to streamline and enhance the operations of government agencies, ultimately improving public service delivery.
“We are happy that the proposed bill is finally up for President Bongbong Marcos’ signature,” stated Secretary Pangandaman. “This Optimization Bill aims to help us create a more efficient and responsive government that will improve public service delivery. As it moves closer to becoming a law, rest assured that the DBM will continue to work closely with concerned agencies to ensure all preparations are in place for its smooth implementation.”
The Government Optimization Act is a key priority measure identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) under President Marcos’ administration, a commitment he underscored in his first State of the Nation Address. Secretary Pangandaman expressed gratitude to the leaders of both the Senate and House of Representatives, particularly Senate President Chiz Escudero and Congressman Jonathan Keith Flores, for their unwavering support and dedication in seeing the measure through. “They truly fulfilled their commitment to passing the bill before the 19th Congress adjourns,” she added.
The Bicameral Conference Committee on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, ratified the reconciled version of House Bill No. 7240 and Senate Bill No. 890, formerly known as the Rightsizing the National Government Act of 2022.
A ceremonial signing of the bicam report on the Government Optimization Bill was held in the morning at the Senate, led by Senate President Chiz Escudero, joined by Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito and Bukidnon 2nd District Representative Jonathan Keith Flores.
“This is one of the LEDAC-identified measures that we are striving to pass,” said Senator Escudero, a principal author of the proposed measure, during the ceremonial signing. “We expect this to be ratified this afternoon by both chambers, so we can reduce the list of priority measures we need to pass before the 19th Congress ends.”
Congressman Flores echoed the sentiment, stating, “Finally, after years of trying to pass this bill, now we’re just one step closer to it becoming a law. So, we’re glad that the Senate finished their version and the bicam is done. So, we’re inching towards the finish line.”
The bill grants the President the authority to optimize the operations of departments and agencies within the Executive Branch, based on strategic reviews and studies. To oversee the implementation of the Government Optimization Program (GOP), a Committee on Optimizing the Executive Branch will be established. This committee will be chaired by the Executive Secretary, with the Secretary of the DBM as Co-Chairperson, and include the Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning, the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, the Director-General of the Anti-Red Tape Authority, and a government employee representative as members.
The GOP will mandatorily cover all agencies of the Executive Branch, including departments, bureaus, offices, and all other entities attached to or under a department’s administrative supervision, as well as government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) not covered by RA No. 10149 or the GOCC Governance Act of 2011. Exempt from the Program’s coverage are teaching and teaching-related positions in elementary, secondary, technical/vocational schools, state universities and colleges, and non-chartered tertiary schools, along with military and uniformed personnel.
The DBM looks forward to the signing of this crucial legislation, anticipating its significant impact on enhancing government efficiency and responsiveness for the benefit of all Filipinos.
