The country’s new budget chief comes with an unusual distinction: a world record holder for collecting papal stamps.
Malacañang announced May 18 the appointment of Kim Robert De Leon as secretary of the Department of Budget and Management, making him the youngest member of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet at 35.
The Palace described De Leon as an expert in fiscal management, organizational reform, and digital transformation, citing his academic honors and government service.
Before his appointment, he served as undersecretary at the DBM, handling the Organization and Systems Improvement Group and the Information and Communications Technology Group.
He also held senior posts in other agencies, including Transportation undersecretary for administration and finance and secretary-general of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.
De Leon is also known in academic circles, having taught governmental accounting, auditing and regional administration at the University of the Philippines’ National College of Public Administration and Governance.
Beyond government and academia, De Leon gained international recognition for a quieter pursuit tied to Catholic devotion and philately.
Guinness World Records said he amassed 2,398 stamps featuring popes, earning the record for the largest papal stamp collection in February 2022.
He began collecting stamps as a hobby and developed a special interest in popes, influenced by his involvement in ministry, Guinness said.
Much of the collection features Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis, both of whom visited the Philippines during their papacies.
Guinness also noted the verification was conducted in a church setting and overseen by a priest, coinciding with the 41st anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s first visit to the Philippines and the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter.
