Amenah Pangandaman (Photo by Ryan Leagogo/ INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has expressed its appreciation for the Senate’s approval on second reading of a measure pushing for government rightsizing.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman praised the Senate leadership, particularly Senate President Francis Escudero and Senator Joel Villanueva, for their “steadfast political will” in advancing the Government Optimization Act, which aims to improve government efficiency and public service delivery.

“This crucial legislation seeks to enhance the functionality and efficiency of our government, ensuring that we can better serve the Filipino people and meet the challenges of the future,” Pangandaman said, as quoted in a DBM news release Thursday.

READ: Senate to prioritize rightsizing bill; Gatchalian raises serious concern

The bill, which passed during a plenary session on Feb. 5, 2025, is part of the priority legislative agenda of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The proposed measure was also highlighted by the President in his first State of the Nation Address.

Senate Bill 890 aims to streamline the national government’s operations to create a leaner, more efficient, and responsive workforce, the DBM said.

While the bill seeks to optimize government operations, it does not propose job cuts. Instead, it calls for the restructuring of government departments and agencies to improve service delivery, with a focus on creating new critical positions where necessary to enhance agency performance.

Teachers, soldiers, and uniformed personnel will be exempted from the proposed reforms, ensuring that these key sectors remain unaffected by the measure.

The bill mandates a review of government operations to identify and implement necessary structural reforms.

The Senate recently vowed to work on the bill and pass it before the 19th Congress concludes in June.

The government agency issued this month the invitation to bid for the P56.76-million contract. Interested parties have until Nov. 5 to submit their proposals.

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The upper chamber is currently on a break to make way for the May 2025 midterm elections. Sessions will resume from June 2 to 13falcon play, before adjourning sine die.