The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signing into law Republic Act (RA) 12231, also known as the Government Optimization Act, aimed at streamlining the executive branch for a more efficient public service delivery.

In a statement released on Wednesday, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the new law represents a “defining moment” in the government’s push for a more agile and responsive bureaucracy, one that “truly works for the Filipino people.”

“We likewise commend the steadfast leadership of both houses of Congress for working tirelessly to ensure the passage of this salient law,” Pangandaman said.

RA 12231 grants the President the authority to reorganize the executive branch of government, including the merging, strengthening, transfer, or abolition of redundant or overlapping agencies and functions.

The measure seeks to improve the delivery of public services through structural reform while ensuring efficiency, transparency, and social protection.

Pangandaman said the law has been “years in the making” and reflects the government’s commitment to responsible fiscal management and meaningful governance.

“More than anything, this reform is about increasing impact. It is about streamlining our systems so we can bring government services closer to our kababayans (fellowmen)—faster, better, and with greater accountability,” she added.

Under the law, a Committee on Optimizing the Executive Branch will be established, co-chaired by the Executive Secretary and the DBM Secretary.

It will also include representatives from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, the Civil Service Commission, and the Anti-Red Tape Authority.

Pangandaman assured government workers that their welfare remains a priority under the reform, emphasizing that optimization is “not about displacement but better alignment, capacity-building, and maximizing contributions to nation-building.”

“This is your government at work, transforming not only in structure but in spirit,” she said.

The DBM expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including members of Congress, reform advocates, and civil society, for supporting the measure. (PNA)