Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman expressed her gratitude to Senate President Chiz Escudero for sponsoring the National Government Rightsizing Program (NGRP) Bill, currently under Senate review for further consideration.

 

“We commend the Senate, spearheaded by Senate President Chiz Escudero with the robust support of Senator Joel Villanueva, for their steadfast political will in advancing the National Government Rightsizing Act. 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 our nation’s future," said Secretary Mina.

 

Senate Bill No. 890, titled “An Act Rightsizing the National Government to Improve Public Service Delivery and for Other Purposes,” aims to refine governmental operations and boost socio-economic growth through streamlined governance.

 

The NGRP Bill sponsor, Senator Chiz Escudero, emphasized its critical role not just in optimizing government size but in enhancing its overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

 

"Ang layunin, uulitin ko, hindi lamang para magbawas pero tiyakin na mas maayos at matipid ang pagpapatakbo ng pamahalaan  [The goal, I repeat, is not just to reduce but to ensure that the operation of the government is more orderly and economical]," Senate President Chiz Escudero asserted.

 

The Senate President also outlined the scope and objectives of the proposed rightsizing bill in his sponsorship speech. He specifically mentioned that the legislation does not cover the armed forces, military and uniformed personnel, the education sector including teachers at various levels, Congress, the Supreme Court, Constitutional Commissions, and local government units.

 

Meanwhile, DBM Secretary Mina highlighted that the bill is an exercise in precision and care.

 

“Ang rightsizing po ay hindi automatic na tanggalan ng trabaho. Malayo po sa katotohanan ‘yan. This is optimizing our burueacracy. Gusto po nating bumuo ng isang gobyernong mabilis at sensitibo sa pangangailangan ng panahon. Ayaw po natin ng gobyernong kulang ang kalidad ng serbisyo. Hindi dapat masayang ang pera ng bayan. Gagawin po natin ito sa pamamagitan ng pagsusuri kung aling mga ahensya ng gobyerno ang dapat paigtingin at alin ang dapat payabungin,” Sec Mina explained.

 

During the legislative discussion, co-sponsor Senator Villanueva stressed the broader implications and positive impact of the bill on government workers.

 

"I think it is very important to note that rightsizing is not synonymous with 'downsizing.' It is not only an administrative reform. The ultimate objective of this representation and measure is to streamline government roles; streamline functions, mandates, and programs in order to achieve our social and economic development goals while ensuring the protection of government workers’ welfare and promoting fiscal responsibility and the efficient use of our taxpayer's money,” Sen. Joel Villanueva stated.